President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, has removed the country’s chief justice, Gertrude A.E. Sackey Torkonoo, from office.
A statement by the Minister of Government Communications, Felix Ofosu, said Ms Torkonoo’s removal took immediate effect.
“President John Dramani Mahama has, in accordance with Article 146(9) of the 1992 Constitution, removed the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkonoo, from office with immediate effect,” the statement said.
It stated that the president sacked the chief justice following the recommendations of a committee that investigated multiple petitions against her.
“This follows receipt of the report of the committee constituted under Article 146(6) to inquire into a petition submitted by a Ghanaian citizen, Mr Daniel Ofori.
“After considering the petition and the evidence, the committee found that the grounds of stated misbehaviour under Article 146(1) had been established and recommended her removal from office,” the statement added.
Mr Mahama’s decision has stirred conversations about the independence of the judiciary, the limits of executive power, and how justice sector reforms will unfold in the coming months.
Analysts suggest that while the removal is being presented as an anti-corruption step, it could also alter the delicate balance between the executive and judicial arms of government.
The action has also triggered concerns among opposition figures and rights groups who argue that frequent interference by African presidents in judicial matters undermines the credibility of courts and erodes public confidence.
The development draws parallels with Nigeria, where in January 2019, then-President Muhammadu Buhari controversially removed the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, following allegations of financial impropriety.
The move sparked heated debates on judicial independence in Africa’s largest democracy and was widely seen as politically motivated.
