President John Dramani Mahama has removed Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkonoo from office with immediate effect, following the recommendations of a committee set up under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.
A statement signed by the Spokesperson to the President, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, confirmed the decision, stressing that it was carried out in strict adherence to the law.
“President John Dramani Mahama has, in accordance with Article 146(9) of the 1992 Constitution, removed the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkonoo, from office with immediate effect,” the statement read.
The removal stemmed from a petition filed by a Ghanaian citizen, Mr. Daniel Ofori, which prompted an inquiry by a committee established under Article 146(6). The committee reviewed the petition alongside available evidence and recommended her removal after finding grounds of stated misbehavior under Article 146(1).
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Akwatia Watch with Umaru Sanda Amadu, Government Communications Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu clarified that the President’s decision was entirely guided by constitutional dictates, not personal preference.
“The role of the President is clearly defined under Article 146, and since March this year, the President has strictly adhered to the constitutional tenets and has done everything in consonance with constitutional provision,” Kwakye Ofosu explained.
He further stressed that the decision was inevitable once the committee’s findings were submitted.
“So it must be emphasised that we have arrived at this juncture because of what the Constitution says and not necessarily what the President believes,” he added.
The Presidency underscored that Article 146(9) of the Constitution requires the President to act in accordance with the committee’s recommendations, leaving no room for discretion once the findings are conclusive.
