In a significant development in Ghana’s judicial landscape, a five-member committee has initiated hearings today, May 15, 2025, to investigate serious allegations against Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo. The committee, led by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, was formed by President John Dramani Mahama following a prima facie determination that warranted a closer examination of the petitions put forth.
The establishment of this committee is grounded in Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution, which stipulates the procedures for inquiring into the conduct of the Chief Justice. The panel's creation comes after the Council of State provided counsel on the matter, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability within the judiciary.
Chief Justice Torkornoo is facing five separate petitions that allege misconduct, a situation that culminated in her suspension from duty on April 22, 2025. The gravity of the situation has been underscored by the fact that these allegations suggest "stated misbehaviour," prompting the urgent need for a thorough review.
The committee is set to convene three times a week, holding its sessions behind closed doors as required by constitutional provisions. This measure is intended to protect the integrity of the investigation and ensure that sensitive information remains confidential. Following the completion of their work, the committee will compile a comprehensive report detailing their findings and recommendations, which will be submitted directly to President Mahama.
Joining Justice Pwamang on the panel are prominent figures, including Supreme Court Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu, who was appointed to the court in 2022. The committee also features former Auditor-General Daniel Yaw Domelevo, Major Flora Bazaanura Dalugo of the Ghana Armed Forces, and Professor James Sefah Dzisah, an esteemed associate professor at the University of Ghana. Each member brings a wealth of experience and expertise, suggesting a rigorous examination of the issues at hand.
Chief Justice Torkornoo’s judicial career began in 2004 as a High Court judge, and she quickly ascended through the ranks, becoming a member of the Court of Appeal in 2012 before her appointment to the Supreme Court in 2019. Her trajectory culminated in her assumption of the Chief Justice role in June 2023, following the retirement of her predecessor, Justice Kwasi Anin Yeboah. However, the recent suspension and ongoing investigation have brought her career into a tumultuous spotlight.
In a statement regarding the proceedings, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State in charge of Government Communications and the presidential spokesperson, remarked that there is currently no set timeframe for the committee's work. Their deliberations will unfold as needed, with a clear commitment to producing a thorough and well-considered final report.
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As the hearings commence, the judicial system and the public will be closely watching the proceedings, which have significant implications not only for Chief Justice Torkornoo but for the integrity of Ghana’s judicial framework as a whole. The outcomes of this inquiry will likely resonate well beyond the courtroom, affecting the perception of judicial accountability and governance in the nation.