Shining Stars Petition President for Chief Justice Torkornoo’s Suspension and Removal

Accra, Ghana – Pressure group Shining Stars Ghana has formally petitioned the President of the Republic to suspend Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo, calling for her removal from office over alleged abuse of office and misconduct.

In a detailed petition dated [insert date if available], the group outlines what it describes as "a worrying pattern of judicial interference, administrative overreach, and partisan bias" under the tenure of the Chief Justice. According to the petitioners, these actions undermine public confidence in the impartiality of Ghana's judiciary.

The petition, addressed to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and copied to the Speaker of Parliament and the Judicial Council, accuses the Chief Justice of:

• Compromising judicial independence

• Breaching ethical codes of judicial conduct

• Exhibiting favoritism in administrative appointments within the judiciary

The group has called for the President to activate Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution to initiate an impeachment process and refer the petition to the appropriate body for investigation.

“The Chief Justice must be held to the highest standards of integrity and impartiality. Her continued stay in office, given the weight of the allegations, is untenable,” the petition read.

The Office of the President is yet to respond officially. Meanwhile, legal experts and civil society groups have begun weighing in on the implications of the petition, which could lead to a protracted constitutional process if accepted.

Chief Justice Torkornoo, who assumed office in June 2023, has not publicly responded to the allegations as of the time of reporting.