The High Court in Accra has struck out the entire originating motion filed by suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Sackey Torkornoo, seeking judicial review of her impeachment proceedings. The court deemed the application an abuse of the court process.
Justice Torkornoo had filed the application challenging the work of the Article 146 Committee, led by Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, which is investigating three petitions calling for her removal from office. She alleged procedural violations, including denial of legal representation, failure to specify allegations, and intimidation tactics.
The Attorney-General’s office had filed a motion to strike out the application, citing “grave misstatement of capacity” and failure to include essential parties. The court upheld this motion, ruling that the application was legally flawed and without merit.
Background of the Case
The suspended Chief Justice had approached the Supreme Court earlier, seeking to halt the proceedings of the Pwamang Committee. However, the Apex Court unanimously dismissed her injunction application on May 28, 2025, allowing the committee’s work to continue.
Justice Torkornoo had also filed an application at the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, seeking suspension of the removal proceedings and her reinstatement with full entitlements. The court adjourned for a ruling on July 16, 2025.
Implications of the Ruling
The court’s decision to strike out Justice Torkornoo’s application paves the way for the Pwamang Committee to continue its work. The committee’s proceedings have been marred by controversy, with Justice Torkornoo alleging procedural violations and intimidation tactics.
The case has sparked a national debate on judicial independence, executive authority, and procedural fairness under the 1992 Constitution. The outcome of this case will have significant implications for Ghana’s constitutional history and the rule of law .