A petition has been submitted to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, calling for the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo from office.
The petitioner, accuses the Chief Justice of alleged stated misbehavior and incompetence, citing constitutional and administrative breaches that undermine the integrity of the Judiciary. The petition, reportedly filed on December 16, 2024, comes just weeks before the President’s term of office ends.
The petition alleges that the Chief Justice has violated critical provisions of the Constitution and failed to uphold the high standards of judicial conduct required for her role. It calls for immediate action under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, which governs the removal of Superior Court judges, including the Chief Justice. According to the petitioner, swift action is necessary to restore public confidence in Ghana’s judicial system.
Under Ghana’s constitutional provisions, the President must consult with the Council of State to determine whether the petition establishes a prima facie case against the Chief Justice. If such a case is established, a special committee comprising two Supreme Court justices and three non-parliamentarian, non-legal professionals will be constituted to investigate the matter. The committee’s findings will guide the President’s decision, as he is legally bound to act on their recommendations.
Petitions for the removal of Superior Court judges are handled with the utmost confidentiality. Article 146(8) mandates that such proceedings be held in camera, allowing the accused individual to defend themselves either personally or through a legal representative. This ensures fairness in the investigative process and protects the reputation of the individuals involved until a conclusive decision is reached.
This development marks the second high-profile petition against a Chief Justice in recent years. In 2021, a petition to remove then-Chief Justice Kwasi Anin-Yeboah was dismissed after the President, in consultation with the Council of State, found no prima facie case.
As the petition against Chief Justice Torkornoo gains public attention, all eyes will be on President Akufo-Addo to see how he navigates this sensitive constitutional process in the final days of his presidency.
Below is rhe full text of the petition:
