President John Dramani Mahama has formally dismissed the Chief Justice of Ghana, Gertrude Torkonoo, following the outcome of a high-profile inquiry into allegations of falsifying judicial records and misappropriating public funds.
The decision comes after a five-member commission of inquiry, chaired by a Justice of the Supreme Court and established by the President, completed its investigations into the accusations. According to the findings, the panel determined that the allegations were credible and sufficiently substantiated, thereby warranting her removal from office.
In a statement issued on Monday, Presidential spokesperson Felix Ofosu explained that the committee’s conclusion was anchored on Article 146(1) of the 1992 Constitution, which provides for the removal of superior court judges on grounds of stated misbehavior or incompetence.
“After carefully reviewing the petition and the extensive evidence presented before the Committee, the panel unanimously established that the Chief Justice had engaged in acts of stated misbehavior within the meaning of the Constitution. On this basis, the Committee recommended her removal from office,” the statement read. “President Mahama has, therefore, accepted the recommendation and ordered the immediate dismissal of Justice Gertrude Torkonoo as Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana.”
This unprecedented development marks the first time in Ghana’s judicial history that a sitting Chief Justice has been investigated and dismissed while in office. The removal underscores President Mahama’s stated commitment to fighting corruption and strengthening integrity within public institutions since assuming office in January.
Political and legal observers have described the move as both historic and controversial. While some view it as a bold step toward accountability in the judiciary, others warn that it could deepen political tensions, given the sensitivity of the office of the Chief Justice in safeguarding constitutional order.
For now, it remains uncertain whether the former Chief Justice will face criminal charges in connection with the allegations of financial impropriety and record falsification. The Attorney General’s Department is expected to study the commission’s findings and decide on possible prosecution.
Meanwhile, the Presidency is expected to announce an acting Chief Justice in the coming days to ensure continuity at the helm of the judiciary, as the country’s legal community and citizens await further clarification on the broader implications of this dismissal for Ghana’s judicial independence and democratic governance.
