Prof. Kwaku Asare petitions Prez Akufo-Addo to remove Chief Justice Torkornoo over alleged misconduct and incompetence

Professor Stephen Kwaku Asare has petitioned President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to remove Her Ladyship Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, the Chief Justice of Ghana, citing allegations of misconduct and incompetence in her administrative role as head of the judiciary.

The petition, in a letter dated Tuesday, December 17, 2024, and submitted under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, alleges misbehaviour and incompetence in the Chief Justice's administrative functions.

In his petition, Prof. Asare clarified that the allegations do not pertain to the Chief Justice’s judicial decisions but rather her conduct as the administrative head of the judiciary under Article 125(4) of the Constitution.

He contends that the Chief Justice unilaterally requested the appointment of five Justices of Appeal to the Supreme Court without consulting the Judicial Council, as required by law.

Confirming receipt of the petition by the presidency on Good Morning Ghana on Metro TV today (December 18, 2024), Collins Adomako-Mensah, Member of Parliament for Afigya Kwabre North, stated that the president has no option but to establish a committee to investigate the matter.

He mentioned that the constitutional process must be followed to ensure a fair and thorough examination of the allegations.

Prof. Asare pointed to letters authored by the Chief Justice recommending these appointments, asserting that they showed no evidence of consultation with the Judicial Council, the constitutional body tasked with advising on such matters.

Prof. Asare alleges that these actions amount to misconduct and incompetence in the administration of the judiciary, warranting the Chief Justice’s removal.

He therefore called on the President to act under Article 146, which mandates a committee of inquiry to assess the petition and make recommendations.