• Ghana's Chief Justice Torkornoo removed after misconduct findings
• She challenged proceedings, filed case with ECOWAS Court
• Removal follows broader government shakeups under President Mahama

Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has removed Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo from office, effective immediately. The presidency announced the decision in a statement on Monday, September 1, 2025, following the findings of a committee that investigated a petition calling for her removal.

Torkornoo, who also served as the head of the Supreme Court, was suspended in April 2025, becoming the first sitting chief justice in Ghana's history to be temporarily removed from the post. The suspension followed a number of allegations, including misconduct and the misuse of public funds for family vacations. After its review, the committee concluded that the misconduct claims, brought under Article 146(1) of the constitution, were founded and recommended her dismissal.

At a press conference in June, Torkornoo had contested the accusations, claiming her rights were being violated. She also filed a case with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court of Justice in Nigeria to challenge the legality of the proceedings and defend the independence of the judiciary.

Her removal comes amid a broader restructuring of Ghana's state institutions. In March 2025, the president dismissed the Chief of Defense Staff for the Ghana Armed Forces, General Thomas Oppong-Peprah, along with several other senior military officers.

Since being elected in 2024, President Mahama has implemented several measures aimed at reducing public spending and repositioning the Ghanaian economy. These include shrinking the number of ministerial portfolios from 30 to 23 and eliminating satellite television subscriptions for the presidency and other government offices.

Torkornoo was appointed Chief Justice of Ghana in June 2023 by former President Nana Akufo-Addo.

Lydie Mobio