Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo has formally requested copies of the petitions submitted to President John Dramani Mahama, which seek her removal from office. In a letter dated Thursday, March 27, she appealed for access to the documents to enable her to provide a response before any further action is taken.
Her request follows President Mahama’s decision to consult the Council of State regarding the three petitions filed against her. The controversy has also sparked legal action, with Vincent Assafuah, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, filing a lawsuit at the Supreme Court. Represented by former Attorney-General Godfred Dame, Assafuah argues that the Chief Justice must be given an opportunity to respond before the President engages the Council of State.
Meanwhile, Minister for Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu has confirmed that the petitions have been forwarded to the Council of State in accordance with Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution. Although the specific allegations against the Chief Justice remain undisclosed, the process marks a crucial phase in Ghana’s judicial system.
In her letter, Justice Torkornoo stressed the importance of due process, requesting at least seven days to respond to the allegations before any further steps—such as the potential establishment of a Committee of Inquiry—are taken.
Her plea highlights a growing debate over procedural fairness in judicial removals and underscores the potential implications this case could have on Ghana’s governance and legal framework. The Council of State is now expected to review the petitions and advise the President on the next course of action.
