Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo has formally requested copies of the petitions submitted to President John Dramani Mahama calling for her removal from office.
In a letter to the President on Thursday, March 27, she appealed for access to the documents to allow her to respond before further steps are taken.
Her request follows President Mahama’s initiation of consultations with the Council of State, as required under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, after receiving three petitions seeking her removal.
Notably, her appeal coincides with a legal challenge from Old Tafo MP Vincent Assafuah, who has filed a lawsuit at the Supreme Court questioning the procedure being used to process the petitions. Represented by former Attorney General Godfred Dame, Assafuah argues that the Chief Justice must be notified and given a chance to respond before the President consults the Council of State.
Confirming the procedural steps taken so far, Minister for Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu stated that the petitions had already been forwarded to the Council of State.
While the specific allegations remain undisclosed, the unfolding process marks the beginning of what could lead to significant changes in Ghana’s judiciary.
In her letter, Chief Justice Torkornoo emphasized the importance of due process and requested an opportunity to present her side before further action is taken.
“I am by this letter humbly and respectfully asking His Excellency the President and eminent members of the Council of State to forward the petitions against me to me, and allow me at least seven days after receipt of same, to provide my response to you, which response can then form part of the material that you conduct the consultations anticipated under 146 (6), before the possible setting up of a Committee of Inquiry under Article 146 (7),” she wrote.
The Council of State is now expected to review the petitions and advise the President on the next steps in the constitutional process.
