Ghana’s president announced on Monday that he had dismissed the country’s chief justice, Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkonoo, after an inquiry found her guilty of abusing her office.
Torkonoo, 61, the third woman to lead Ghana’s Supreme Court, was suspended from the post she assumed in 2023 following several complaints lodged against her.
President John Mahama set up a five-member commission headed by another Supreme Court judge to investigate the allegations, which included falsifying judicial records and misusing public funds.
According to a presidential statement, the commission concluded that the allegations had been proven and recommended her removal.
“President John Dramani Mahama has… removed the Chief Justice… from office with immediate effect,” the statement said.
This marks the first time a sitting chief justice in Ghana has been investigated and dismissed.
Mahama, who took office in January, has pledged to combat corruption in public life. It remains unclear whether Torkonoo will face criminal charges.