Mahama’s Decision on Torkornoo’s Removal Strictly Constitutional – Kwakye Ofosu

The Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has defended President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to remove Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo from office, insisting the action was strictly guided by the 1992 Constitution.

Speaking on Channel One TV’s Akwatia Watch programme on Monday, September 1, 2025, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu explained that the President acted under Article 146, which spells out the procedure for removing a Chief Justice. He noted that the process, which began in March this year, was followed to the letter.

Chief Justice Torkornoo was officially removed from office on September 1 after a Committee of Inquiry upheld allegations of stated misbehaviour against her. The petition that triggered the inquiry was filed by a Ghanaian citizen, Mr. Daniel Ofori.

Under Article 146(9), the President is bound to act in line with the recommendations of the committee, which in this case called for her removal.

“The role of the President is clearly defined under Article 146, and since March this year, the President has strictly adhered to the constitutional tenets and has done everything in consonance with constitutional provision,” Mr. Kwakye Ofosu stressed.

He added that the decision was not influenced by political considerations but by the constitutional mandate placed on the Presidency.

“So it must be emphasised that we have arrived at this juncture because of what the Constitution says and not necessarily what the President believes,” he emphasised.