Ghana's Chief Justice dismissed due to accusations of misusing authority

In a surprising turn of events, President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana has removed the Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, from office with immediate effect. Torkornoo, 61, is the first sitting Chief Justice to be investigated and dismissed in Ghana.

The decision came following a series of allegations, including falsifying judicial records and misusing public funds. A five-member commission led by another supreme court judge was established to investigate the complaints. The commission found that the grounds for her removal from office had been established.

However, the move has raised concerns among some legal circles. Former deputy attorney general Alfred Tuah-Yeboah has questioned the basis of Mahama's decision, stating that the petition for Torkonoo's removal showed no proper grounds. Tuah-Yeboah warned that the decision "may haunt us going into the future" and may have negative consequences for the future of the judiciary.

Tuah-Yeboah suggested that only "very serious offences" could justify the removal of a chief justice. He expressed concerns that the removal of Torkonoo could set a "dangerous precedent" and may undermine the independence of the judiciary.

It was not immediately clear whether Torkonoo would face any criminal charges. The specific nature of the concerns raised by Tuah-Yeboah about the removal of Torkonoo was not detailed in the article.

Torkonoo, who is the third woman to head Ghana's high court, was suspended from her post in 2023 following complaints lodged against her. The article did not provide any information about the reaction from Torkonoo or her legal team to the removal from office or the concerns raised by Tuah-Yeboah.

President Mahama, who assumed office in January and has vowed to tackle corruption, has not yet responded to the concerns raised by Tuah-Yeboah. The commission's full report and findings are expected to be released in the coming weeks.