Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has officially responded to petitions seeking her removal from office, fulfilling the constitutional requirements set by President John Dramani Mahama.
The Chief Justice’s written reply was submitted to both the Presidency and the Council of State ahead of the April 7, 2025 deadline.
Sources close to the matter confirmed to 3News that the Chief Justice met the ten-working-day ultimatum issued by President Mahama following the submission of the petition earlier this year.
The petition, reportedly citing allegations of misconduct and abuse of office, prompted the President to activate Article 146 procedures, referring the matter to both the Council of State and the Chief Justice herself for action.
Although the specific contents of the petitions remain undisclosed, it is understood that the Chief Justice’s response addresses the accusations head-on, firmly denying any wrongdoing and reinforcing her commitment to judicial integrity and constitutional governance.
With the response now in the hands of the Council of State, the next step will involve a review to establish whether a prima facie case exists against the Chief Justice. If such a case is determined, it could trigger a broader investigation or parliamentary action, as provided for under Ghana’s constitutional framework.
This development marks a crucial milestone in the ongoing petition process and underscores the procedural safeguards in place for addressing allegations against high-ranking judicial officers. Legal analysts suggest that the decision of the Council of State in the coming weeks could have far-reaching implications for the independence of the judiciary and the balance of powers in Ghana’s democracy.
President Mahama, who resumed office following the 2024 general elections, has so far remained silent on the nature of the petitions but has followed due process in line with constitutional obligations.
The public and legal community alike are watching closely as the matter progresses.
-BY Issah Olegor
