The President of Ghana, John Mahama, on Monday said he was firing the West African country’s Chief Justice after an investigation found her guilty of alleged abuse of office.
With this development, Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, who is aged 61, becomes the third woman to head Ghana’s high court.
Previously, President Mahama established a five-member commission led by another Supreme Court judge to investigate the complaints, which included allegations of falsifying judicial records and misusing public funds.
The commission found that the grounds for the alleged acts “had been established and recommended her removal from office,” a presidency statement said on Monday.
“President John Dramani Mahama has… removed the Chief Justice… from office with immediate effect,” it said.
It marked the first time that a sitting chief justice in Ghana was investigated and dismissed.
Mahama, who assumed office in January, has vowed to tackle corruption in the country.
In April, it was reported that President Mahama suspended Torkornoo following serious allegations of misconduct.
In a statement released by presidential spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the suspension came after three citizens submitted a formal petition to the Council of State, citing accusations of tampering with court records and the misuse of public funds.
“In consultation with the Council of State, it was determined that a prima facie case has been established and that Torkornoo would be suspended while she is investigated,” the statement read.
Credit: SaharaReporters
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