CJ requests copies of petitions seeking her removal from Mahama

Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo has formally requested copies of the petitions submitted to President John Dramani Mahama calling for her removal from office.

In a letter to the President dated Thursday, March 27, she asked to be provided with the documents so that she could respond appropriately.

This request follows President Mahama’s initiation of consultations with the Council of State after three petitions were submitted, urging her removal from her position.

Additionally, the request comes amid a lawsuit filed by Vincent Assafuah, the New Patriotic Party Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, at the Supreme Court. Assafuah is challenging the process being used to address the petitions. Represented by former Attorney-General Godfred Dame, Assafuah argues that the Chief Justice should be notified of the petitions first, allowing her to respond before the President consults the Council of State.

Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Minister for Government Communications, confirmed that the petitions have been sent to the Council of State in accordance with Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.

While the specific grounds of the petitions remain undisclosed, this step marks the beginning of a constitutional process that could bring significant changes to Ghana’s judiciary.

The Council of State is tasked with reviewing the petitions and advising the President on the appropriate actions to take.

In her letter, Chief Justice Torkornoo requested a fair opportunity to respond to the allegations before any further actions are taken. She wrote: “I am by this letter humbly and respectfully asking His Excellency the President and the eminent members of the Council of State to forward the petitions against me to me, and allow me at least seven days after receipt of same, to provide my response, which can then be included in the materials for your consultations under 146 (6), before the potential establishment of a Committee of Inquiry under Article 146 (7).”