Ghana President sacks Chief Justice over corruption

President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana has dismissed the country’s Chief Justice following the findings of a high-level investigation into serious allegations of misconduct.

The probe, conducted by a five-member commission chaired by a Supreme Court judge, examined claims that the Chief Justice had falsified judicial records and misused public funds. The commission concluded that the allegations were substantiated and recommended her immediate removal from office.

“After considering the petition and the evidence, the Committee found that the grounds of stated misbehaviour under Article 146(1) had been established and recommended her removal from office,” said the spokesperson to the President, Felix Ofosu, in a statement on Monday.

“President John Dramani Mahama has accordingly removed the Chief Justice from office with immediate effect.”

The dismissal marks the first time a sitting Chief Justice in Ghana has been investigated and dismissed from office.

While Mahama, who took office in January, has repeatedly pledged to intensify the fight against corruption, it remains unclear whether the embattled Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkonoo, will face criminal prosecution.