President John Dramani Mahama has initiated consultations with the Council of State after receiving three petitions seeking the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo. In a statement released on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, confirmed that the petitions have been forwarded to the Council in accordance with Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.
Article 146 outlines the procedures for the removal of a Chief Justice, mandating that upon receiving such petitions, the President must consult with the Council of State. This process may lead to the formation of a committee to investigate the allegations presented in the petitions.
While the specific grounds for these petitions have not been publicly disclosed, this development has sparked significant interest within Ghana’s legal and political circles. The potential removal of a Chief Justice is a rare and consequential event, underscoring the importance of adhering strictly to constitutional protocols.
In response to criticisms from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Felix Kwakye Ofosu emphasized that President Mahama is fulfilling his constitutional obligations by considering the petitions. He highlighted that the NPP had previously supported similar processes, referencing the removal of the former Chairperson of the Electoral Commission during President Akufo-Addo’s tenure.
As the Council of State deliberates on these petitions, the nation awaits further developments in this significant constitutional process.
