President John Dramani Mahama has removed Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkonoo from office with immediate effect.
In a statement signed by the Spokesperson to the President, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Presidency explained that the decision was made in line with Article 146(9) of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates the President to act upon the recommendations of a committee set up under Article 146.
“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 follows a petition filed by a Ghanaian citizen, Mr. Daniel Ofori, which triggered an inquiry by a committee established under Article 146(6). According to the Presidency, the committee considered both the petition and available evidence before reaching its decision.
“After considering the petition and the evidence, the Committee found that the grounds of stated misbehaviour under Article 146(1) had been established and recommended her removal from office,” the statement explained.
It further noted that the President was bound to act on the committee’s findings. “Under Article 146(9), the President is required to act in accordance with the committee’s recommendation,” the Presidency emphasised.
