Ghana’s President John Mahama has suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo following serious allegations of misconduct, marking the first time a sitting chief justice in the country has been subjected to formal investigation under a constitutional process.
The announcement was made Tuesday by presidential spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, who said the decision came after a petition was filed by three persons and reviewed by the Council of State.
According to the statement, Torkornoo faces accusations of tampering with court records and misusing public funds.
“In consultation with the Council of State, it was determined that a prima facie case has been established and that Torkornoo would be suspended while she is investigated,” the statement read.
Mahama has given the suspended chief justice a 10-day window to formally respond to the allegations.
In the meantime, a five-member committee has been established to investigate the matter, headed by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Pwamang. The panel also includes former Auditor-General Daniel Domelevo.
Torkornoo, 61, was appointed in June 2023 and is the third woman to serve as Ghana’s chief justice.
Her suspension represents a significant moment in Ghana’s judicial history, as previous occupants of the role have typically exited through retirement or political transitions, not through disciplinary proceedings.
Mahama, who assumed office in January 2025, has repeatedly pledged to tackle corruption in public institutions.
