Suspended Chief Justice Could Return if Cleared – Abraham Amaliba

Private legal practitioner and member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Abraham Amaliba, has stated that the suspended Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, could reclaim her position if she successfully clears her name.

Speaking on TV3’s The Key Points programme on Saturday, April 26, Amaliba emphasized that due process is being observed by President John Dramani Mahama in handling the petition against the Chief Justice. “The suspended Chief Justice still has an opportunity to come back if she’s able to exonerate herself. Due process is being followed by the President,” he said.

Justice Torkornoo’s suspension follows the establishment of a prima facie case regarding three petitions filed against her. Acting under Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution and in consultation with the Council of State, President Mahama determined that the petitions warranted further inquiry.

A statement from the Presidency, dated Tuesday, April 22, announced that the Chief Justice had been suspended with immediate effect, pending the outcome of investigations. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Minister in Charge of Government Communications, signed the release which also outlined the composition of the committee set up to investigate the petitions.

The committee includes:

• Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang (Supreme Court Justice) – Chairman

• Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu (Supreme Court Justice) – Member

• Daniel Yaw Domelevo (Former Auditor-General) – Member

• Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo (Ghana Armed Forces) – Member

• Professor James Sefah Dzisah (Associate Professor, University of Ghana) – Member

The formation of the committee is in line with Article 146(10) of the Constitution.

Earlier, on March 25, 2025, the Presidency’s Communications Directorate confirmed that President Mahama had received three separate petitions requesting the removal of Chief Justice Torkornoo. In accordance with constitutional requirements, the petitions were forwarded to the Council of State for advice before any action was taken.

As the proceedings unfold, the possibility remains that Justice Torkornoo could be reinstated should the committee find no wrongdoing on her part.