Suspended Chief Justice faces inquiry as committee starts hearings

A five-member committee formed by President John Dramani Mahama will begin hearings tomorrow, Thursday, May 15, 2025, into three petitions filed against Ghana’s Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo.

The committee is chaired by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang and was set up under Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution. This followed a decision that a prima facie case or a case worth looking into had been established. The formation of the committee also came after consultation with the Council of State, as required by law.

The Chief Justice is currently under suspension while the investigation takes place. According to reports, five separate petitions were submitted, all alleging misconduct. In response, President Mahama took the constitutional steps to suspend her and initiate a full inquiry.

The committee is expected to meet three times a week. Once its work is completed, it will present its findings and recommendations to the President.

The hearings mark a key step in addressing concerns raised in the petitions. While the details of the allegations have not been publicly disclosed, the decision to proceed with a formal investigation signals the seriousness with which the matter is being treated.

The President’s decision to act upon the petitions and set up the committee highlights the importance of transparency and accountability within the judiciary, especially at its highest level.

Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, who leads the committee, is a sitting judge of the Supreme Court and is known for his experience and professionalism. The identities of the other committee members have not yet been made public.

The outcome of the hearings could have a lasting impact on the leadership of Ghana’s judicial system. It also sets a precedent for how top judicial officers are held accountable under the country’s constitutional framework.

Until the committee finishes its work and reports to the President, Chief Justice Torkornoo will remain suspended.