The five-member committee appointed by President John Dramani Mahama to investigate three petitions lodged against Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo is set to commence its hearings today, Thursday, May 15.
The committee is chaired by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang and was established under the provisions of Article 146(6) of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.
This followed consultations with the Council of State and a formal determination that a prima facie case exists against the Chief Justice, warranting further inquiry.
According to the schedule, the committee will meet three times weekly as it conducts a thorough examination of the petitions. Upon completing its investigations, the panel will submit its findings and recommendations directly to President Mahama for further action.
Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, officially confirmed the commencement of the committee’s work in a statement released earlier, underscoring the government’s commitment to due process and transparency in addressing the serious allegations.
Background:
The petitions against Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, filed earlier this year, allege misconduct and breaches of judicial ethics.
These complaints have sparked widespread public interest and debate, given the pivotal role of the Chief Justice in Ghana’s judiciary.
The allegations reportedly include claims of administrative impropriety and questions surrounding the handling of certain high-profile cases.
President Mahama’s decision to establish the committee followed a constitutional process triggered by the petitions, which required the Council of State’s advice and the President’s assessment of whether the complaints had sufficient merit to warrant investigation.
This move reflects the government’s adherence to constitutional safeguards designed to uphold judicial integrity while ensuring fair treatment of the Chief Justice.
Source : www.kumasimail.com /Kwadwo Owusu
