Following grave accusations of wrongdoing, Ghana’s President John Mahama suspended Chief judge Gertrude Torkornoo. This is the first time a sitting chief judge in the nation has been the subject of a formal investigation under the constitution.

Presidential spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu made the statement on Tuesday, stating that the Council of State had considered a petition that was submitted by three individuals.

Torkornoo is accused of wasting public funds and interfering with court records, the statement said.

“A prima facie case has been established, and Torkornoo will be suspended while she is investigated,” the statement said after consulting with the Council of State.

The suspended chief justice has been given ten days by Mahama to formally address the accusations.

A five-member committee led by Justice Gabriel Pwamang of the Supreme Court has been formed to look into the situation in the interim. Daniel Domelevo, a former Auditor-General, is also on the panel.

Torkornoo, 61, became Ghana’s third female chief judge when she was appointed in June 2023.

Given that past occupants of the position have usually left through retirement or political changes rather than disciplinary actions, her suspension marks a significant turning point in Ghana’s judicial history.

Mahama has made numerous promises to address corruption in public institutions since taking office in January 2025.