The Chairman of the Article 146 Committee of Inquiry, Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, has formally presented the Committee’s first report on petitions seeking the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo to President John Mahama.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony at Jubilee House, Justice Pwamang recalled that in March this year, three separate petitions were submitted to the President under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, calling for the Chief Justice’s removal. The petitions were subsequently referred to the Committee for consideration in line with constitutional provisions.
The Committee, inaugurated on May 15, 2025, held its proceedings in camera as required by law. It heard testimony from Daniel Ofori, the first petitioner, as well as thirteen witnesses. The Chief Justice herself mounted a strong defence, appearing before the panel in person and calling twelve witnesses, including expert witnesses, in her support.
In total, about 10,000 pages of documentary evidence were submitted by both sides, each of which was represented by four lawyers.
Justice Pwamang emphasized that the Committee’s deliberations were carried out fairly and impartially. “After critical and dispassionate examination and assessment of all the evidence… we have, without fear or favour, arrived at a recommendation on the first petition,” he said. The sealed recommendation was then handed over to the President.
The Committee also disclosed that the second petitioner, together with the Chief Justice, requested an adjournment in respect of the second petition. That request was granted, with reports on the second and third petitions expected in due course.
While underscoring that its hearings were conducted in camera, the Committee stressed that the process was not secret, highlighting the transparency of its work within the framework of constitutional requirements.
