Chief Justice writes to President, requests to seek copy of petition against her

Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo has formally asked President John Dramani Mahama to provide her with copies of the petitions submitted to his office calling for her removal.

In a letter dated Thursday, March 27, the Chief Justice appealed for access to the petitions so she can adequately prepare a response.

This request follows President Mahama’s commencement of consultations with the Council of State after receiving three separate petitions seeking the CJ’s dismissal.

The issue is further complicated by a legal challenge filed at the Supreme Court by Vincent Assafuah, the Member of Parliament for Old Tafo. Assafuah, represented by former Attorney-General Godfred Dame, contends that the Chief Justice must be allowed to respond to the petitions before any discussions with the Council of State can take place.

Government Communications Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu has confirmed that the petitions were referred to the Council of State in accordance with Article 146 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution. Although the content of the petitions has not been made public, the move initiates a constitutional process that could significantly impact the judiciary.

In her letter, Justice Torkornoo emphasized the importance of due process and requested that she be granted time to respond to the allegations.

“I respectfully request His Excellency the President and the distinguished members of the Council of State to share the petitions with me and allow at least seven days after I receive them to submit my response. This response, I believe, should be considered as part of the consultation process under Article 146(6), before any decision is made on establishing a Committee of Inquiry under Article 146(7),” she wrote.