Ghana Removes Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo Over Abuse of Office Allegations

Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, has dismissed Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo after a judicial commission found her guilty of abuse of office.

Torkornoo, 61, who became the country’s first female Chief Justice in 2023 and the third woman to head the judiciary, was suspended following multiple petitions accusing her of falsifying judicial records and misusing public funds.

A five-member panel led by a Supreme Court justice investigated the allegations and concluded that the accusations were substantiated. The commission subsequently recommended her removal.

In a statement issued on Monday, the presidency confirmed the decision:

“President John Dramani Mahama has, in line with the commission’s recommendations, removed the Chief Justice from office with immediate effect.”

The move marks the first time in Ghana’s history that a sitting Chief Justice has been investigated and dismissed from office.

President Mahama, who assumed power in January 2025, has pledged to make anti-corruption reforms a cornerstone of his administration.

It remains unclear whether Torkornoo will face criminal prosecution following her removal.