Accra — President John Dramani Mahama has removed the Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkonoo, from office with immediate effect.

The decision, announced in a statement issued by the Presidency, follows the submission of a report by a committee constituted under Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution. The committee was tasked to investigate a petition lodged by a Ghanaian citizen, Mr. Daniel Ofori, which alleged acts of stated misbehaviour on the part of the Chief Justice.

After a thorough inquiry, the committee concluded that the grounds of misbehaviour under Article 146(1) had been sufficiently established. In line with its mandate, the committee recommended the removal of Justice Torkonoo from office.

In accordance with Article 146(9) of the Constitution, President Mahama was bound to act upon the recommendation of the committee, thereby effecting the removal.

The statement, signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Member of Parliament and Spokesperson to the President, emphasized that the President’s decision strictly followed constitutional provisions and underscored the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.

Justice Torkonoo, who was appointed as Ghana’s 15th Chief Justice in 2023, has thus ended her tenure amid the constitutional process triggered by the petition.