President John Dramani Mahama has removed Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkonoo from office with immediate effect, following recommendations from a constitutional committee that found her guilty of stated misbehavior.
A statement issued by the Presidency on Monday, September 1, 2025, and signed by Minister for Government Communications and Presidential Spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, said the decision was taken in line with Article 146(9) of the 1992 Constitution.
The removal follows the conclusion of an inquiry initiated after a petition was filed by a Ghanaian citizen, Mr. Daniel Ofori, alleging acts of misconduct by the Chief Justice. The committee established under Article 146(6) to investigate the matter found sufficient grounds and subsequently recommended her removal.
“Under Article 146(9), the President is required to act in accordance with the committee’s recommendation,” the statement read.
Background to the Removal
Chief Justice Torkonoo, who assumed office in June 2023 as the third woman to occupy the highest judicial position in Ghana, had faced mounting criticism in recent months over allegations of judicial impropriety, conflict of interest, and administrative lapses in the Judicial Service.
Civil society organizations and sections of the legal fraternity had also raised concerns about the handling of certain politically sensitive cases under her leadership.
The petition that triggered her removal was widely reported to have cited issues of abuse of office and ethical breaches, which the investigative committee upheld after months of hearing
Commenting on the development, government spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu said, “The President has acted strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. This decision was not arbitrary but was based on the findings and recommendations of the constitutionally mandated committee.”
Meanwhile, political observers note that the removal of a sitting Chief Justice is a rare and historic move that could reshape public perceptions of the judiciary and its independence.
Read Statement Below:
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