NEWS

Chief Justice Torkornoo Faces Ouster Over Leak Scandal

Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo Faces Removal Petitions Amid Confidentiality Breach

Three petitions calling for Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo’s removal from office have been formally served to her. She has 10 days to respond to these petitions in her preliminary form. Concerned about the violation of due process, former President John Dramani Mahama has harshly denounced the unapproved release of private data pertaining to the petitions. The removal of Chief Justice Torkornoo is demanded in the three petitions, two of which date from February 14, 2025, and one from March 17, 2025. In a formal letter to President Dr. Callistus Mahama, signed by the Secretary, the president promised that the constitutional procedure would be strictly adhered to.

“His Excellency wishes to assure the Chief Justice that due process will be adhered to in handling this matter,” the statement read, emphasizing that she would be given a fair opportunity to present her defense.

The statement emphasized that, in compliance with Article 146(6) of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, President Mahama had previously requested counsel from the Council of State, which was presided over by former Speaker Doe Adjaho. The Council responded to this consultation on March 27, three days after it was held on March 24. Controversy has dominated the court procedure after private documents were prematurely shared on social media. The Chief Justice’s official statement, dated March 27, went online before it was properly processed by the administration, which has angered the president over this unapproved disclosure.

“We are constrained to mark each page of the attachments as ‘restricted’,” President Mahama declared, citing the Supreme Court’s precedent in Frank Agyei Twum v. Attorney-General, which underscores the confidentiality of such proceedings.

As the legal and political implications of these petitions unfold, all eyes remain on the judiciary and the executive branch to uphold due process. The Chief Justice’s response within the stipulated ten-day period will be crucial in determining the next steps in this constitutional matter.

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