President John Dramani Mahama has set up a five-member committee to investigate petitions against Ghana’s Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, who has been suspended pending the outcome of the inquiry. The suspension follows a prima facie case established against her based on three petitions accusing her of misconduct and incompetence ¹ ².
The committee, constituted under Article 146(6) of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, includes ¹:
– Committee Members:
– *Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang: Chairman and Justice of the Supreme Court
– Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu Asiedu: Member and Justice of the Supreme Court
– Daniel Yaw Domelevo: Member and Former Auditor-General
– Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo: Member from the Ghana Armed Forces
– Professor James Sefah Dzisah: Member and Associate Professor at the University of Ghana
The President’s decision to suspend the Chief Justice has sparked debate, with some viewing it as a necessary step to uphold integrity, while others argue it may undermine the judiciary’s autonomy. The committee’s findings will determine the next course of action .
In related news, a legal challenge has been filed against the removal process, questioning the President’s decision to suspend the Chief Justice without proper notification and consultation