Chief Justice Torkornoo Responds to Petition for Her Removal
Accra, April 7, 2025 – Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has formally submitted her preliminary response to President John Mahama regarding petitions seeking her removal from office.
Her submission comes as the 10-day deadline granted for her response elapses today, Monday, April 7.
Key Developments
🔹 Justice Torkornoo had requested copies of the petitions and an extension of at least seven days to ensure due process.
🔹 Her response has now been forwarded to the President and the Council of State for consideration.
🔹 The submission is a critical step in determining whether a committee will be set up to investigate the allegations against her under Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution.
Legal Battle Ahead
Meanwhile, on April 9, the Supreme Court will hear a suit filed by Old Tafo MP Vincent Ekow Assafuah, challenging whether the President followed the correct legal procedure before initiating the removal process.
The outcome of this case could impact the petition’s legitimacy and set a legal precedent for handling similar matters in the future.
What the Constitution Says
The removal of the Chief Justice is governed by Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, which states:
📌 A Justice can only be removed for:
✔️ Misbehaviour
✔️ Incompetence
✔️ Inability to perform their duties due to physical or mental infirmity
📌 For the Chief Justice’s removal:
✔️ The President consults the Council of State.
✔️ A committee of two Supreme Court Justices and three non-lawyers is set up to investigate.
✔️ The committee submits a recommendation to the President, who must act accordingly.
With legal and constitutional tensions rising, the next steps taken by the President and the Supreme Court will be closely watched.
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