Ghana’s President has announced the dismissal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkonoo after an investigation found her guilty of misconduct in office.
Justice Torkonoo, 61, became the country’s first female Chief Justice in 2023, but her tenure was cut short following several petitions accusing her of falsifying judicial records and misusing public funds.
In response, President John Mahama set up a five-member panel, led by a Supreme Court judge, to probe the allegations. The commission concluded that the claims were proven and recommended her removal.
A statement from the Presidency confirmed on Monday that Mahama had accepted the findings and relieved her of her duties with immediate effect.
This marks the first time a sitting Chief Justice in Ghana has been investigated and removed from office.
Since taking office in January, Mahama has pledged to root out corruption across the country’s institutions. It remains uncertain whether Justice Torkonoo will face criminal prosecution following her dismissal.
