The Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has stated that constitutional restrictions prevent the government from disclosing the specific reasons for the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo from office.

Speaking on Channel One TV on Monday, September 1, 2025, following President John Dramani Mahama’s announcement of the Chief Justice’s removal, Kwakye Ofosu clarified that Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution prohibits public disclosure of the proceedings of the committee that investigated the petitions against her.

“The committee recommended the removal of the CJ. As you are fully aware, Article 146 does not permit disclosure of the proceedings of the committee,” he said.

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He further explained that the Chief Justice had been formally notified of her removal and the reasons behind it in a letter delivered through the President’s Secretary, accompanied by a warrant as prescribed by Article 146.

“But the Chief Justice has been officially informed of her removal and the reasons behind it, in a letter sent through the President’s Secretary. A warrant, as prescribed by Article 146, was also issued,” he said.

Kwakye Ofosu emphasised that while the former Chief Justice is fully aware of the grounds for her dismissal, the government is legally barred from making those details public.

“I am not permitted by law to make any disclosures beyond the fact that the President has complied with the recommendations of the committee,” he stated.

“Jubilee House cannot breach the Constitution of Ghana, which bars us from discussing details surrounding this entire proceeding,” he added.

Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo sacked

The removal of Chief Justice Torkornoo followed an investigation by a constitutional committee established under Article 146(6) to examine a petition submitted by private citizen Daniel Ofori.

The committee, after reviewing Ofori's petition, one of three filed against the Chief Justice, concluded that allegations of stated misbehavior under Article 146(1) were substantiated.

President Mahama, acting in accordance with Article 146(9), subsequently implemented the committee’s recommendation, effecting the removal on September 1, 2025.

GA/MA

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