John Mahama, Ghana’s president, has suspended Gertrude Torkornoo, the country’s chief justice, over allegations of misconduct.
Ghana’s presidential spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, announced on Tuesday that the Council of State made this decision after three people filed complaints against the Chief Judge.
According to Ofosu, Torkornoo is accused of tampering with court records and misusing public money.
“In consultation with the Council of State, determined that a prima facie case has been established and that Torkornoo would be suspended while she is investigated,” the statement reads.
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President Mahama has given Torkornoo 10 days to respond to these allegations. He has also created a five-member investigative committee to look into the matter.
The investigation team is headed by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Pwamang and includes former auditor-general Daniel Domelevo among its members.
Torkornoo, who is 61 years old, was appointed in June 2023. She is Ghana’s 15th chief justice and only the third woman to hold this important position.
This situation marks a significant moment in Ghana’s judicial history. While previous chief justices have left office through retirement or during political changes, Torkornoo’s suspension represents the first time a sitting chief justice has faced a formal investigation through constitutional procedures.
