The Chairman of the Committee of Inquiry, Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, has officially presented the committee’s first report on petitions seeking the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo to President John Mahama at the Jubilee House.
Background of the Petitions
In March 2025, three separate petitions were filed under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, calling for the removal of the Chief Justice. President Mahama subsequently referred the petitions to the committee in accordance with constitutional procedure.
The Committee, inaugurated on May 15, 2025, held its sittings in camera, as mandated by law. The panel heard testimony from Daniel Ofori, the first petitioner, along with thirteen witnesses.
Chief Justice’s Defence
Chief Justice Torkornoo personally mounted her defence before the committee. She also presented twelve witnesses, including expert testimony, to support her case.
In total, over 10,000 pages of documentary evidence were tendered during the hearings, with both sides represented by four lawyers each.
Justice Pwamang emphasized the fairness and impartiality of the proceedings, noting:
“After critical and dispassionate examination and assessment of all the evidence… we have, without fear or favour, arrived at a recommendation on the first petition.”
Next Steps
The committee’s sealed recommendation was submitted directly to President Mahama for further action.
Meanwhile, the second petitioner, together with the Chief Justice, requested an adjournment regarding the second petition, which the committee granted. Reports on the second and third petitions will be delivered in due course.
The committee clarified that although the proceedings were private, the process was not “in secret,” stressing its commitment to transparency within constitutional limits.
