Ghana’s Chief Justice Dismissed Over Allegations of Office Misconduct

The President of Ghana, John Mahama, announced on Monday the immediate dismissal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkonoo, following an investigation that found her guilty of abuse of office.

Torkonoo, 61, became the third woman to head Ghana’s Supreme Court in 2023. She was suspended shortly after assuming office, following complaints that prompted a formal investigation.

A five-member commission, led by a sitting Supreme Court judge, was established by President Mahama to probe the allegations. Complaints against Torkonoo included:

• Falsifying judicial records
• Misusing public funds

The commission concluded that the complaints were substantiated and recommended her removal, according to an official statement from the presidency.

“President John Dramani Mahama has… removed the Chief Justice… from office with immediate effect,” the statement read.

Torkonoo is the first sitting chief justice in Ghana to be investigated and dismissed.

President Mahama, who took office in January, has pledged to tackle corruption in public institutions. However, it remains unclear whether Torkonoo will face criminal charges related to the investigation.

Alfred Tuah-Yeboah, a former Deputy Attorney General, criticised the dismissal, arguing it set a “dangerous precedent”.

“The petition that I read showed no proper grounds to warrant her removal,” he said.
“Only very serious offences could justify such a step. If the threshold is what we read in the petition, then I fear for the future of the judiciary,” he added.

Tuah-Yeboah warned that the decision could have long-term repercussions for Ghana’s judicial system.