Ghana’s President John Mahama has fired the country’s Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkonoo, following an investigation that found her guilty of alleged abuse of office. The decision was announced on Monday, marking the first time a sitting chief justice in Ghana has been investigated and removed.
Torkonoo, 61, became the third woman to lead Ghana’s Supreme Court in 2023. Her tenure was marred by multiple complaints alleging misconduct, including falsifying judicial records and misusing public funds. These complaints prompted President Mahama to set up a five-member commission, chaired by a fellow Supreme Court judge, to examine the allegations.
After reviewing the evidence, the commission concluded that the claims had been substantiated and recommended her immediate removal. “President John Dramani Mahama has… removed the Chief Justice… from office with immediate effect,” a statement from the presidency said.
President Mahama, who returned to office in January, has repeatedly pledged to tackle corruption across government institutions. The dismissal of Torkonoo is seen as a signal of his commitment to enforcing accountability at the highest levels of the judiciary.
Details on whether Torkonoo will face criminal charges remain unclear. The presidency has not provided any information on potential legal proceedings, leaving the next steps uncertain.
Read Also: Leverkusen Sack Erik Ten Hag After Just Two Games
Torkonoo’s removal also raises questions about succession in Ghana’s judiciary. The president is expected to appoint a new chief justice in line with constitutional procedures, ensuring the Supreme Court can continue to function effectively.
The decision has drawn significant attention both domestically and internationally, highlighting Ghana’s ongoing efforts to strengthen governance and uphold judicial integrity. Analysts say it underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in public office, particularly in positions that hold the highest levels of authority in the judicial system.
As Ghana navigates this unprecedented situation, the nation awaits further updates on the legal and administrative implications of Torkonoo’s dismissal, and on who will assume leadership of the Supreme Court going forward.
