Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo has formally written to President John Dramani Mahama and the Council of State, requesting access to the petition filed for her removal from office. In a letter dated March 27, she asserted her right to respond before any further action is taken.

“I am by this letter humbly and respectfully asking His Excellency the President and eminent members of the Council of State to forward the petition against me to me, and allow me at least seven days after receipt of same, to provide my response to you, which response can then form part of the material that you conduct the consultations anticipated under 146 (6) before the possible setting up of a Committee of Inquiry under article 146(7),” she stated.

Torkonoo emphasized that due process must be followed, citing her experience in handling similar cases.

“In my time as a Chief Justice, I have handled five such petitions for removal of superior court judges, and heard from them before determining whether a prima facie case has been made against them to merit the setting up of the investigative committee provided for under article 146(4),” she noted.

She further insisted that both the petition and her response should form the basis for consultations between the President and the Council of State before any decision is made.

“This is the direction of the Supreme Court in the case of Agyei-Twum v Attorney-General and Akwettey [2005-2006] SCGLR 732,” she referenced, underscoring the legal framework guiding her request.

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