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This is a brazen assault that strikes the heart of the third arm of govt – Sammi Awuku on CJ’s removal
Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Sammi Awuku has criticised the removal of the Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo from office.
To him, the removal sets a dangerous precedent and also lowers the threshold of the removal of a sitting Chief Justice and mocks the independence of the judiciary.
In a Facebook post, he said, “Unprecedented! A dangerous precedent has just been set by President Mahama and the NDC, one that lowers the threshold of a removal of a sitting Chief Justice and mocks the independence of the judiciary.
“A brazen assault that strikes the very heart of the third arm of government. Her ladyship, Gertrude Torkornoo stood tall, serving with uncommon grace and integrity, yet today we are reminded that in Ghana, the price of defending justice is often paid by those who dare to uphold it.
“And the most remarkable part? A 10,000-page report read, reviewed, and recommendations implemented within few hours upon receipt and all this drama happening within a day. Truly, a new world record for efficiency! A difficult day for the justice system in the History of Ghana.
“May the toils of our Forbears never be in vain as Ghana 🇬🇭 navigates these challenging times. Interesting times ahead for justice delivery in Ghana.”
The Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo was removed from office by President John Dramani Mahama on Monday September 1.
“President John Dramani Mahama has, in accordance with Article 146(9) of the 1992 Constitution, removed the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkonoo, from office with immediate effect. This follows receipt of the report of the Committee constituted under Article 146(6) to inquire into a petition submitted by a Ghanaian citizen, Mr Daniel Ofori. After considering the petition and the evidence, the Committee found that the grounds of stated misbehaviour under Article 146(1) had been established and recommended her removal from office. Under Article 146(9), the President is required to act in accordance with the committee’s recommendation,” the statement said.
This comes after President John Dramani Mahama received the report of the Article 146 Committee of Inquiry set up to investigate petitions calling for the removal of Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo.
This followed the determination of a prima facie case in three separate petitions that sought the removal of the Chief Justice from office. In line with constitutional requirements, President Mahama constituted a five-member committee to conduct the inquiry.
The committee was chaired by Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang of the Supreme Court. Other members included Mr. Daniel Yaw Domelevo, former Auditor-General; Major Flora Bazaanura Dalugo of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF); and Professor James Sefah Dzisah, Associate Professor at the University of Ghana.
Justice Torkornoo was suspended on April 22, 2025, following the establishment of a prima facie case against her after the receipt of three separate petitions.
Her suspension, carried out in line with Article 146(6) of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, was done in consultation with the Council of State.
Subsequently, a five-member committee chaired by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang was appointed by the President to investigate the allegations.
Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, said after presenting the report to the presaisnt that “To the committee, our mandate and remit as set out under Article 146 Clauses (7) and (8) of the Constitution is clear and it is to inquire into the petitions in camera, hear the person against whom the petitions have been brought in her defence by herself or by a lawyer or other expert of her choice and then to make a recommendation to the President.”
Source:Fiilafmonline/3News
