President Mahama sacks Ghana’s chief justice over abuse of office

President John Mahama of Ghana on Monday announced that the country’s Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkonoo, has been removed from office following a probe into alleged misconduct.

The 61-year-old, who became the third woman to lead Ghana’s judiciary when she assumed the role in 2023, was suspended after multiple petitions accused her of abusing her position.

Mahama set up a five-member panel, chaired by a fellow Supreme Court justice, to look into the complaints. The allegations included tampering with judicial records and misappropriating state funds.

After reviewing the case, the commission concluded that sufficient evidence supported the accusations and recommended her dismissal, a decision the president has now enforced.

“President John Dramani Mahama has removed the Chief Justice from office with immediate effect,” a presidency statement said on Monday.

The decision is historic, as it represents the first time a serving Chief Justice in Ghana has been investigated and removed from office.

President Mahama, who took office in January, has repeatedly pledged to confront corruption at all levels of government.

It remains uncertain whether Torkonoo will face criminal prosecution following her dismissal.