Accra, Ghana - President John Mahama has relieved Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo of her duties following a recommendation from a presidential inquiry. The inquiry stemmed from petitions filed by three individuals alleging misuse of public funds.
Ms. Torkornoo had been suspended since April while the commission investigated the claims. The president's office announced on Monday that the commission found "grounds of stated misbehaviour... had been established and recommended her removal from office."
The allegations against Ms. Torkornoo include unlawful expenditure of public funds related to private travel. Specifically, her spouse and daughter allegedly received allowances from public funds during private trips to Tanzania in 2023 and the US. She also faced accusations of interfering with judicial appointments and abusing her power in the transfer of a judiciary employee.
Ms. Torkornoo has vehemently denied the allegations, calling them unfounded and politically motivated. Despite her denials, the president stated he was obligated to act on the committee's recommendations.
The panel reviewed a substantial amount of evidence, including 10,000 pages of documents and testimony from 13 witnesses. Ms. Torkornoo also testified and presented her own witnesses, including expert testimony.
Critics have expressed concern that this action sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the independence of the judiciary. Chief Justices in Ghana typically enjoy security of tenure, only removable for specific reasons such as incompetence or misbehaviour.
Gertrude Torkornoo, Ghana's third female Chief Justice, was appointed in 2023. Her dismissal marks the first time a sitting Chief Justice in Ghana has been investigated and removed from office.
Reactions to the Dismissal
The dismissal has sparked debate across Ghana, with legal experts and political commentators weighing in on the implications for judicial independence and the rule of law. Further developments are expected as the remaining petitions are addressed.
What's Next?
The presidency is expected to announce the process for selecting a new Chief Justice in the coming days.