President John Dramani Mahama, on Monday, September 1, 2025, dismissed Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo just hours after receiving the report of the 5-member committee set up to probe three petitions for her removal.

The committee was chaired by Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang.

Before presenting the report to President Mahama on Monday, Justice Pwamang provided some details, clarifying that the findings were based on only one of the three petitions submitted; that of businessman Daniel Ofori.

According to him, both the former Chief Justice and the petitioner presented a total of 25 witnesses in support of their cases. Justice Torkornoo, in addition to calling expert witnesses, also testified in person.

The committee was presented with thousands of pages of documentary evidence.

Justice Pwamang noted that the committee’s report and recommendations were based on all the evidence provided.

President Mahama receives committee report on suspended CJ Torkornoo

Below are his exact words:

“As I have said above, three petitions were referred to us, and though all three petitions seek the same relief, each petition is distinct and will succeed or fail on its individual strengths or weaknesses, Mr President, without disclosing the substance of the proceedings. And since in-camera proceedings are not the same as in secret, we can state that in respect of the first petition, we received evidence by Mr Daniel Ofori, the 1st petitioner, through 13 witnesses.

“Similarly, the Chief Justice, in her defence, called 12 witnesses, including expert witnesses, as she is entitled to do under the Constitution. The Chief Justice testified personally and was cross-examined. The Committee received about 10,000 pages of documentary evidence from both sides. There were four lawyers that represented the first petitioner, Daniel, and four lawyers who represented the Chief Justice.

“Mr President, after critical and dispassionate examination and assessment of all evidence, including the expert evidence, against the provisions of the Constitution and the right values we have, without fear or favour, we arrived at a recommendation on the first petition.”

BAI/MA

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