Breaking: Ghanaian President, Mahama, Suspends Chief Judge Torkornoo.

By Caroline Ameh

President John Dramani Mahama has, in accordance with Article 146(6) of the Constitution and in consultation with the Council of State, determined that a prima facie case has been established in respect of three petitions against the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo.

Mahama has appointed a committee to study the petitions and provide recommendations, Minister of Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu said in a statement Tuesday.

The details of the petitions haven’t been made public and neither has Torkornoo’s response. The Judicial Service didn’t immediately respond to a call seeking comment.

Torkornoo was sworn in as Ghana’s 15th Chief Justice by Mahama’s predecessor in 2023, making her the third woman to hold the position in the West African nation. Last year, she faced repeated criticism from politicians in the National Democratic Congress, which was then the main opposition.

Torkornoo was accused of delaying the hearing of cases challenging anti-LGBTQ legislation, prompting her office to refute the claim, stating that the parties involved in the lawsuits hadn’t completed required paperwork.

One of her court decisions also effectively prevented the then-opposition from declaring itself the majority in parliament following departures from ruling-party lawmakers.

Mahama’s NDC rose to power following a commanding victory in the Dec. 7 elections, after eight years as the main opposition.