President Akufo-Addo has received a petition requesting the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo from office, citing allegations of misconduct and incompetence.
The petition, filed by a Ghanaian citizen, accuses Justice Torkonoo of violating constitutional and administrative protocols. According to Accra-based TV3, the petitioner argues that these alleged actions undermine the credibility and integrity of the judiciary.
In the petition, the complainant asserts that removing the Chief Justice is necessary to safeguard public confidence in Ghana’s judicial system.
The process for the removal of a Chief Justice is outlined in Article 146 of the Constitution. It states that a Justice of the Superior Court or the Chairman of a Regional Tribunal can only be removed for misbehavior, incompetence, or an inability to perform their duties due to physical or mental infirmity.
The article further outlines the procedure for the removal of a Chief Justice, which includes the appointment of a committee by the President, in consultation with the Council of State, to investigate the petition. This committee will determine whether there is sufficient grounds for the Chief Justice’s removal.
If the committee recommends removal, the President, following the advice of the Council of State, will act on the recommendation. The process, as stipulated by Article 146, ensures that all proceedings are held in camera, and the Justice or Chairman facing the petition is entitled to a fair hearing, either personally or with legal representation.
Under this process, the President has the authority to suspend the Chief Justice pending the investigation, with the possibility of revoking the suspension at any time.
The petition marks the beginning of a legal and constitutional process that will determine whether Justice Torkonoo should be removed from office.
