More removal petitions hit ‘under fire’ Justice Torkornoo
More removal petitions hit 'under fire' Justice Torkornoo
These latest petitions, whose authors remain anonymous, bring the tally of removal petitions against the CJ to five.
The first three were submitted by separate individuals on February 14 and March 17, 2025, and were sent to the Council of State to consider their merit.
The Council of State, in its wisdom, believed there was a prima facie case and has thus advised President John Dramani Mahama accordingly.
President Mahama, based on the recommendation by the Council of State on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, issued a formal letter suspending the Chief Justice Torkornoo, after a prima facie case was established by a committee set up to examine the initial three petitions.
The President’s action, taken in consultation with the Council of State and in line with Article 146(6) of the Constitution, has triggered widespread national debate about judicial independence and the potential politicization of constitutional processes.
With her suspension now in effect, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, the most senior member of the Supreme Court, has been designated to act as Chief Justice in the interim, as provided under Article 144(6).
As required by law, Chief Justice Torkornoo was served with the original petitions and given a 10-day window to respond. She submitted her response on April 7, after which a determination was made that the allegations warranted a full investigation.
While the contents of all five petitions remain confidential by Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, sources within the corridors of power say they cite allegations of misconduct and abuse of power.
