President John Dramani Mahama has received the first report of the Article 146 Committee of Inquiry investigating petitions for the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo.
At a brief ceremony at the Jubilee House on Monday, September 1, the Chair of the Committee, Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, presented the sealed recommendations to the President.
He stressed that the committee conducted its proceedings strictly in camera, in accordance with constitutional requirements, despite what he described as “false statements” circulated about the panel and its work.
“In camera proceedings are not the same as in secret,” Justice Pwamang explained, adding that while procedural details could be shared, the substance of the evidence remains confidential.
He noted that on the first petition, filed by Mr. Daniel Ofori, the committee received testimonies from 13 witnesses for the petitioner and 12 witnesses for the Chief Justice, including expert opinions.
Each side was represented by four lawyers, while about 10,000 pages of documentary evidence were submitted.
“After critical and dispassionate examination and assessment of all the evidence, including the expert evidence against the provisions of the Constitution and the relevant laws, we have, without fear or favour, arrived at a recommendation on the first petition,” Justice Pwamang said.
The committee, however, adjourned proceedings on the second petition following a request from both the petitioner and the Chief Justice. It indicated that reports on the second and third petitions would be submitted “in due course.”
Background
The report is the latest development in a high-stakes constitutional process that began in April when President Mahama determined that a prima facie case had been established against Chief Justice Torkornoo based on three separate petitions, alleging misconduct and incompetence.
Invoking Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, the President suspended the Chief Justice from office and set up a five-member panel chaired by Justice Pwamang.
Other members include former Auditor-General Daniel Yaw Domelevo, Major Flora Bazaanura Dalugo of the Ghana Armed Forces, and Professor James Sefah-Dzisah of the University of Ghana. Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie was appointed Acting Chief Justice.
Chief Justice Torkornoo has strongly defended herself, calling the proceedings “arbitrary” and “cruel.” She insists that resigning would amount to conceding to an unconstitutional process and losing her right to defend her integrity.
The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has echoed these concerns, warning that the suspension undermines constitutional governance and erodes public trust in Ghana’s democracy.
President Mahama is expected to review the committee’s findings and communicate his decision to the nation in the coming days.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
