President John Dramani Mahama has removed the Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkonoo, from office after a constitutional inquiry established misconduct on her part.

The removal, announced in a statement dated September 1, 2025, followed the receipt of a report from a committee constituted under Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution to investigate a petition brought by a Ghanaian citizen, Daniel Ofori, against her.

According to the Presidency, the committee found that Justice Torkonoo had engaged in ‘stated misbehaviour’ within the meaning of Article 146(1).

Although the details of the misconduct were not fully disclosed, the report concluded that her conduct was inconsistent with the high office she occupied and, therefore, warranted removal.

BREAKING: Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo sacked

“The Committee, after a thorough review of the petition and evidence adduced, established grounds of stated misbehaviour and recommended the removal of the Chief Justice. In accordance with Article 146(9), the President has acted on that binding recommendation,” the statement explained.

Justice Torkonoo, who was sworn in as Ghana’s 15th Chief Justice in June 2023, thus becomes the first to be dismissed under the constitutional provision.

Her removal is expected to set in motion the process of appointing a new Chief Justice to steer the affairs of the judiciary.

MRA/AE

GhanaWeb's latest documentary, Sex for Fish, that explores the plights of teenage girls in coastal communities, all in an attempt to survive, is out. Watch it below: