
President John Dramani Mahama has expressed appreciation to the Council of State for fulfilling its responsibilities in handling petitions seeking the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo.
Speaking at the Jubilee House on Monday, July 7, 2025, the President acknowledged the sensitivity surrounding the matter and praised the Council for its involvement in the early stages, which led to the formation of a special investigative committee.
“On the issue of governance, we’ve had the difficult issue with regards to the suspension of the Chief Justice and of course, the Council of State was involved in a part of that process,” the President stated.
According to President Mahama, the executive arm of government has fulfilled its constitutional obligations and now awaits the findings of the committee tasked with probing the three petitions submitted against the Chief Justice.
“We’ve done our part. The rest is left with the committee that was set up to come out with whatever its findings are, and based on that, whatever the consequential issues are, will be dealt with,” he stated.
In line with Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, Chief Justice Torkornoo was suspended by the President after receiving the petitions calling for her removal. The independent committee was subsequently formed to investigate the claims and recommend further action where necessary.
The President’s comments come at a time of heightened public debate and concern, as various stakeholders — including the Ghana Bar Association and civil society organisations — weigh in on the broader implications of the Chief Justice’s suspension for judicial independence and the rule of law.
Meanwhile, Gertrude Torkornoo has filed an action at the Supreme Court challenging the legality of proceedings initiated for her removal from office.