In a jaw-dropping development that has rocked Ghana’s political and judicial landscape, President John Dramani Mahama announced the suspension of Supreme Court Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo on April 22, 2025.
This unprecedented action, executed under Article 146(6) of the Ghanaian Constitution, follows the establishment of a prima facie case against Torkornoo based on three petitions calling for her removal. The decision, made in consultation with the Council of State, has sparked intense debate about judicial independence and executive overreach.
The petitions, though not publicly detailed, are believed to allege serious misconduct or breaches of judicial ethics, prompting Mahama to form a special committee to investigate. Torkornoo, appointed Chief Justice in 2023, has been a pivotal figure in high-profile cases, including recent rulings on parliamentary disputes ahead of the December 2024 elections. Her suspension raises questions about the timing and motives behind the move, with critics arguing it could undermine public trust in the judiciary during a critical election period.
Supporters of the suspension, however, view it as a bold step toward ensuring accountability at the highest levels of government. The committee’s probe is expected to scrutinize Torkornoo’s tenure, potentially uncovering systemic issues within the judiciary. Legal experts predict that the outcome could set a precedent for how Ghana addresses judicial misconduct in the future. Meanwhile, the public remains divided, with protests and debates erupting nationwide.