In a historic and highly consequential move, President John Dramani Mahama has formally removed Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo from her position as Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana and as a Justice of the Supreme Court.
The decision, which took effect on Monday, September 1, 2025, follows the recommendation of a constitutional committee tasked with investigating petitions alleging stated misbehaviour against her. The committee, operating under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, concluded that the petitions had sufficient merit to warrant her removal from office.
Justice Torkornoo, appointed in June 2023, was the country’s third female Chief Justice and a long-serving member of the Supreme Court since 2019. Her tenure, though marked by judicial reforms and digitalisation drives, became overshadowed by mounting allegations that prompted the petition and subsequent probe.
A Rare Removal
The removal of a Chief Justice in Ghana is an extraordinary event in the nation’s legal and political history. Analysts note that the move underscores the robustness of constitutional safeguards designed to hold even the most senior judicial officers accountable.
“This is a watershed moment,” said a constitutional law lecturer at the University of Ghana. “It shows that no one is above the law, but it also raises questions about the balance between accountability and judicial independence.”
Unanswered Questions
The Presidency has not yet named an Acting Chief Justice. Insiders suggest that the most senior Justice of the Supreme Court could step in temporarily while consultations begin on a substantive replacement.
Meanwhile, civil society organisations and the Ghana Bar Association are closely monitoring the situation. Some have welcomed the decision as a step toward judicial integrity, while others fear it may set a precedent that could expose the judiciary to political pressure.
Legacy and Uncertainty
Justice Torkornoo’s removal cuts short what was expected to be a progressive tenure focused on strengthening transparency within the judiciary. Her digitalisation initiatives, aimed at reducing delays in court processes, earned praise from reform advocates. However, her critics argued that her leadership style deepened divisions within the bench.
As Ghana navigates this turning point, the focus will now shift to who succeeds her and how the judiciary can rebuild public trust in its independence and impartiality.
