The Supreme Court has unanimously dismissed all consolidated cases challenging the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo from office.
The decision, delivered by a seven-member panel on Thursday, July 2, brings an end to the domestic legal challenges against her dismissal.
Court Dismisses Consolidated Cases
The panel, chaired by Justice Amadu Tanko, ruled that the suits lacked merit and dismissed them.
The ruling effectively closes legal efforts within Ghana to overturn Justice Torkornoo’s removal, which followed months of political and judicial debate.
Four separate lawsuits were filed in 2025 after she was suspended following the establishment of a prima facie case based on petitions seeking her removal.
The cases were brought by Tafo MP Vincent Assafuah, private citizen Theodore Atta Quartey, former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo and the Centre for Citizenship, Constitutional and Electoral Systems.
The Supreme Court later consolidated the suits into two cases for hearing.
Removal Followed Committee Findings
Justice Torkornoo was removed from office on September 1, 2025, after a five-member committee of inquiry recommended her dismissal.
The committee, chaired by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Pwamang, was established under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution to investigate allegations of stated misbehaviour.
It found her culpable of several breaches, including the alleged misuse of public funds through travel-related expenses and payments involving family members, as well as violations of constitutional procedures governing judicial administration.
Her removal marked the first time a sitting Chief Justice had been removed through the constitutional process under Ghana’s Fourth Republic.
ECOWAS Court Also Dismissed Case
The Supreme Court’s ruling follows a decision by the ECOWAS Court of Justice on June 24, 2026.
The regional court dismissed all claims brought by the former Chief Justice against the Republic of Ghana.
It ruled that there was no evidence that her rights had been violated and rejected her claim for damages.
Domestic Legal Process Ends
With the Supreme Court’s latest decision, all domestic legal avenues challenging Justice Torkornoo’s removal have now been exhausted.
The ruling is expected to bring legal closure to one of Ghana’s most closely watched judicial and constitutional cases in recent years.
