The Director of Legal Affairs of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, has revealed that some Judicial Service staff are testifying at the probe into the three petitions against the Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo.
According to him, it is therefore inappropriate for the Chief Justice to remain in office as the probe against her proceeds.
“Judicial Service staff are serving as witnesses in the probe against her,” he said on the KeyPoints on July 5.
His comments were in reaction to calls by the Ghana Bar Association for the suspension of Chief Justice Torkornoo to be lifted.
The GBA President, Afua Ghartey, during the observance of Martyrs Day on June 30,2025, said “the suspension of the Chief Justice serves as poor precedence for the independence of the judiciary.”
In reaction, Tameklo said, “imagine what will happen if the Chief Justice was still in office. It will amount to suppression of evidence,” he explained.
It is recalled that on April 22, President John Dramani Mahama, in accordance with Article 146(6) of the Constitution and in consultation with the Council of State, determined that a prima facie case has been established in respect of three petitions against the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo.
A statement issued on Tuesday April 22 said, “Pursuant to Article 146(10) of the constitution and in accordance with the advice of the Council of State, the President has by a warrant, suspended the Chief Justice with immediate effect pending the outcome of the committee’s proceedings.”
The statement, which was signed by the Minister in Charge of Government Communication, Felix Kwakye Ofosu added that, “The President has consequently, established a committee in compliance with Article 146(6) of the Constitution and in consultation with the Council of State with the following composition to inquire into the petitions which have been referred to them.
1. Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, Justice of the Supreme Court – Chairman
2. Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu, Justice of the Supreme Court – Member
3. Daniel Yaw Domelevo (Former Auditor-General) – Member
4. Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo (Ghana Armed Forces) – Member
5. Professor James Sefah Dzisah (Associate Professor, University of Ghana) – Member.”
A statement from the Presidency’s Communications Directorate on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, confirmed that the petitions had been submitted by various individuals, urging the President to take action against the Chief Justice.
Following constitutional procedures, President Mahama has referred the matter to the Council of State to begin the consultation process required before any further action can be taken.
The Chief Justice subsequently responded to the petition.
