A five-member committee set up by President John Dramani Mahama to investigate three separate petitions filed against the Chief Justice is scheduled to commence public hearings on Thursday, May 15, 2025.
This development follows the President’s acceptance of the findings of a prima facie case against the Chief Justice, as determined in accordance with Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution, and in consultation with the Council of State.
The committee is chaired by Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang of the Supreme Court.
In a statement issued by the Presidency Communications Directorate and signed by Minister for Government Communications and presidential spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the committee is expected to sit three times a week and submit its recommendations to the President upon the conclusion of its work.
The suspension of the Chief Justice, which preceded the committee’s formation, was triggered by serious allegations of misconduct, administrative abuse, and conflict of interest raised in three separate petitions by concerned legal professionals and civil society advocates.
While the specific details remain officially undisclosed, the petitions are believed to involve claims of interference in judicial processes and unethical handling of high-profile cases.
The President, acting in line with constitutional provisions, suspended the Chief Justice after determining that the allegations, on their face, merited further investigation by an independent body. The suspension is intended to allow the inquiry to proceed without influence or hindrance.
The proceedings are expected to draw national attention, given the high-ranking status of the office involved and its implications for the integrity of Ghana’s judicial system.
The outcome of the committee’s investigation could have lasting consequences for the judiciary.
Should the committee’s findings substantiate the allegations, the President may act on its recommendations, which could include removal from office.
Until then, the Chief Justice remains suspended, pending the final outcome of the inquiry.
The committee’s sessions are expected to be held behind closed doors, though there are growing calls from transparency advocates for portions of the hearings to be made public.
