President John Mahama has commenced consultations with the Council of State regarding three petitions seeking the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo.
The petitions have been forwarded to the Council of State, as stipulated in Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.
While details of the petitions remain undisclosed, this development marks the beginning of a formal process that could lead to significant changes within Ghana’s judicial system.
The Council of State is expected to examine the petitions and advise the President on the next steps. This is not the first time a petition has been filed against Chief Justice Torkornoo.
In January, former President Akufo-Addo dismissed a petition filed by Prof Stephen Kwaku Asare, citing a lack of merit and insufficient evidence.
The constitutional process for removing a Chief Justice involves several steps, including: Examination of Petitions: The Council of State examines the petitions and advises the President, Appointment of Committee: The President appoints a committee to investigate the petition and recommend action, Investigation and Recommendation: The committee investigates the complaint and makes recommendations to the President, Presidential Action: The President acts in accordance with the committee’s recommendations.
The law surrounding the removal of the Chief Justice is outlined in Article 146 of the constitution, which states that a Chief Justice can only be removed for stated misbehavior, incompetence, or inability to perform their duties.
