President John Dramani Mahama has suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo from office following three separate petitions filed by individuals accusing her of misconduct and constitutional breaches.
According to a statement issued and signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, President Mahama has determined that sufficient grounds exist to warrant further inquiry.
“President John Dramani Mahama has, in accordance with Article 146(6) of the Constitution and in consultation with the Council of State, determined that a prima facie case has been established in respect of three petitions against the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo,” the statement read.
The suspension was carried out in accordance with Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates the suspension of the Chief Justice once a prima facie case is established and a disciplinary committee is constituted to investigate the matter.
In line with constitutional procedures, Chief Justice Torkornoo was furnished with copies of the petitions and given 10 days to respond.
Following a review of her response and further consultations, the President determined that a prima facie case had been established. Consequently, a five-member committee has been set up under Article 146(6) to investigate the matter.
The committee is composed as follows:
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Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, Justice of the Supreme Court – Chairman
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Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu Asiedu, Justice of the Supreme Court – Member
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Daniel Yaw Domelevo, Former Auditor-General – Member
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Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo, Ghana Armed Forces – Member
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Professor James Sefah Dzisah, Associate Professor, University of Ghana – Member
Per Article 146(10) of the Constitution and upon the advice of the Council of State, the President has issued a warrant for the immediate suspension of the Chief Justice pending the outcome of the committee’s investigations.
By: Ekow Annan/newsalertgh.com
