Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, the suspended Chief Justice, could potentially be reinstated if cleared of all allegations, according to Abraham Amaliba, a private legal practitioner and member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Abraham Amaliba has stated that due process is being observed by President John Dramani Mahama in addressing the petitions against the suspended Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo. He noted that she still has an opportunity to return to office if she is able to exonerate herself. This comes after the President, acting in line with Article 146(6) of the Constitution and consulting the Council of State, concluded that a prima facie case had been established in relation to three petitions filed against her.
You may recall that a statement released on Tuesday, April 22, announced the immediate suspension of the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo. The statement noted that, “Pursuant to Article 146(10) of the Constitution and in accordance with the advice of the Council of State, the President has by a warrant, suspended the Chief Justice with immediate effect pending the outcome of the committee’s proceedings.”
The statement, signed by the Minister in Charge of Government Communication, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, further revealed that President John Dramani Mahama has constituted a five-member committee to investigate the petitions against the suspended Chief Justice, in line with Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution and in consultation with the Council of State. The committee is composed of:
1. Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, Supreme Court Judge – Chairman
2. Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu, Supreme Court Judge – Member
3. Daniel Yaw Domelevo, Former Auditor-General – Member
4. Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo, Ghana Armed Forces – Member
5. Professor James Sefah Dzisah, Associate Professor, University of Ghana – Member
This development follows President Mahama’s referral of three petitions seeking the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo to the Council of State, as mandated by Article 146 of the Constitution.
A statement issued by the Presidency’s Communications Directorate on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, confirmed that multiple individuals had submitted petitions urging President Mahama to take action against Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo.
In adherence to constitutional procedures, the President referred the matter to the Council of State to initiate the mandatory consultation process before any further steps could be taken.
Following this development, the Chief Justice submitted a formal response to the petition.
Tags: #ChiefJustice #GertrudeTorkornoo #Suspension #ConstitutionalProcess #PresidentMahama #
