L-R: Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo (L) and President John Dramani Mahama (R)
President John Dramani Mahama has expressed disappointment with Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo following the widespread circulation of a letter addressed to him, in which she requested copies of the petition seeking her removal.
The president stated that the contents of the letter went viral on social media before he had the chance to open and review it.
He noted that this development has raised concerns about whether the letter, which was meant to be restricted, remained so as intended.
In a letter dated March 28, 2025, to Chief Justice Torkornoo, the Secretary to the President, Dr. Callistus Mahama, wrote:
“His Excellency, however, notes with disappointment that your letter of 27th March 2025 addressed to him was circulating on social media even before he could review its contents. The letter was reportedly shared as an attachment to another letter you wrote to the President of the Supreme Court, the President of the Association of Magistrates and Judges, and the President of the Ghana Bar Association. Therefore, we are constrained to mark each page of the attachments to this letter ‘restricted’.”
Regarding the petition, the president has directed Chief Justice Torkornoo to submit her preliminary response within 10 days of receiving the letter.
He assured, however, that the matter would be handled in accordance with due process, ensuring that Torkornoo receives a fair hearing.
“Finally, His Excellency wishes to assure you that due process will be followed in handling this matter and that you will be given a full and fair opportunity to be heard.
“Accordingly, you are respectfully requested to submit your preliminary response to the petitions within ten (10) days of receipt of this letter to facilitate further consultation between His Excellency and the Council of State,”* the letter added.
This latest development follows Chief Justice Torkornoo’s formal request for copies of the petitions submitted to President John Dramani Mahama, seeking her removal from office.
In a letter to the president on Thursday, March 27, 2025, she requested access to the documents to enable her to respond accordingly.
“I am by this letter humbly and respectfully asking His Excellency the President and eminent members of the Council of State to forward the petitions against me to me, and allow me at least seven days after receipt of the same to provide my response to you, which response can then form part of the material that you conduct the consultations anticipated under 146 (6), before the possible setting up of a Committee of Inquiry under Article 146 (7),” she stated.
MAG/MA
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