ACCRA, Ghana (Chatnewstv.com) — Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama on Monday dismissed Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkonoo after a judicial commission found her guilty of misconduct, marking the first time a sitting head of the judiciary has been removed from office in the country.
Torkonoo, 61, who became the third woman to hold the post when she was appointed in 2023, was suspended earlier this year following multiple complaints. Allegations against her included falsifying judicial records and misusing public funds.
A five-member panel led by a Supreme Court justice was appointed to investigate. “The grounds for the alleged acts had been established and recommended her removal from office,” the presidency said in a statement.
“President John Dramani Mahama has… removed the Chief Justice… from office with immediate effect,” the statement added.
The unprecedented dismissal underscores Mahama’s pledge to tackle corruption since taking office in January.
It was not immediately clear whether Torkonoo would face criminal charges following her removal.
