Ghana’s President, John Mahama, has dismissed the Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkonoo, from office with immediate effect following the outcome of a constitutional inquiry into her conduct.
The decision comes after a petition filed in April by a Ghanaian citizen, Daniel Ofori, accused Justice Torkonoo of abuse of authority, incompetence, misappropriation of public funds, and unconstitutional interference in judicial proceedings and appointments.
A statement from the Ghanaian Presidency on Monday confirmed that the removal was based on the findings of a committee constituted in line with Article 146 of the Constitution.
“After considering the petition and the evidence, the Committee found that the grounds of stated misbehaviour under Article 146(1) had been established and recommended her removal from office,” the statement read.
Justice Torkonoo, however, has denied any wrongdoing, insisting that the allegations are politically motivated. Local media report that she is weighing her legal options in response to the decision.
Her dismissal marks a rare occurrence in Ghana’s judicial history and has triggered debate within legal and political circles on the independence of the judiciary and the powers of the executive.