Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo has officially submitted her written response to President John Dramani Mahama, in a dramatic development following three separate petitions seeking her removal from office.
Her response, which was also submitted to the Council of State, meets the April 7, 2025 deadline set by the President after a 10-day response window was granted.
The presidency, in a statement last month, confirmed receipt of the petitions and disclosed that they had been forwarded to the Council of State in accordance with Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.
The constitutional provision outlines the procedure for removing Justices of the Superior Courts, including the Chief Justice and others holding analogous positions such as Electoral Commission and CHRAJ leadership.
The petitions—filed by three individuals between February 14 and March 17—have stirred considerable political and judicial discourse.
Meanwhile, a fresh legal twist looms as the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a suit on April 9, filed by Old Tafo Member of Parliament, Vincent Ekow Assafuah.
The MP is challenging the legality of President Mahama’s action, arguing that initiating the removal process without first notifying the Chief Justice is unconstitutional. The case, now set against the backdrop of heightened scrutiny on judicial independence and executive power, is expected to test the robustness of constitutional checks and balances in the coming days.
