Accra: Today, September 1, 2026, commemorates one year since the unprecedented removal of Justice Gertrude Torkornoo as the Chief Justice of Ghana and a member of the Supreme Court. This significant event, which was a first in the history of Ghana's 4th Republic, was executed by President John Dramani Mahama.
According to Ghana Web, the announcement of Justice Torkornoo's dismissal was made by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, on September 1, 2025. The statement highlighted that her removal was in line with Article 146(9) of the 1992 Constitution and took immediate effect. The decision was based on the findings of the Pwamang Committee, which was tasked with investigating the petitions filed against her.
The official statement from the presidency clarified that Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo was removed from her position as Chief Justice following recommendations by the committee. The Pwamang Committee, established specifically to delve into the details of the petitions, identified evidence of misbehaviour sufficient to warrant her dismissal.
The investigation into Justice Torkornoo's conduct began in April 2025 when President Mahama, after consulting with the Council of State, suspended her due to a prima facie case that had been established. Subsequently, a five-member committee was formed to conduct a thorough inquiry into these allegations, ensuring adherence to constitutional provisions.
The committee, led by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, comprised Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu, former Auditor-General Daniel Yaw Domelevo, Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo of the Ghana Armed Forces, and Professor James Sefah Dzisah from the University of Ghana. Their collective findings confirmed the grounds for misbehaviour as stipulated under Article 146(1), leading to the recommendation for her removal. The President was constitutionally obligated to act according to these recommendations.
This landmark decision continues to resonate in Ghana's legal and political spheres, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's judicial history.