Mahama: Presidency has fulfilled its role in CJ suspension case

Published 5 days ago• 2 minute read

President John Dramani Mahama has indicated that the Presidency has fulfilled its responsibilities in the matter involving the suspended Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, adding that consequential matters will be addressed.

He said the presidency now awaits the outcome of the investigative committee’s work.

Speaking during an engagement with the Council of State at the Jubilee House on Monday, July 7, 2025, the President described the situation as a “difficult issue” and expressed gratitude to the Council for its role in the initial stages of the process.

“On the issue of governance, we’ve had the difficult issue with regards to the suspension of the Chief Justice, and of course, the Council of State was involved in a part of that process,” President Mahama said. “We’ve done our part. The rest is left with the committee that was set up to come out with whatever its findings are, and based on that, whatever the consequential issues are, will be dealt with.”

Chief Justice Torkornoo was suspended following a petition for her removal presented to the President in accordance with Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution. In response, a committee was constituted to investigate the claims and submit recommendations for further action.

President Mahama emphasised that his administration has acted within the bounds of the Constitution and affirmed that next steps will be guided strictly by the committee’s report.

The suspension has triggered widespread debate, with some civil society groups, legal professionals, and political parties—including the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the Minority in Parliament—raising concerns about the implications for judicial independence.

In response, government spokespersons have defended the move as constitutional, arguing that the President has adhered to due process under Article 146 and that no democratic principles have been violated.

The committee’s report is expected to be critical in determining whether Chief Justice Torkornoo will be reinstated or permanently removed from office.