• Ghana's Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo suspended by President Mahama.
• The suspension follows three petitions alleging misconduct.
• This marks the first suspension of a sitting chief justice in Ghana's history.
• Political leaders express concerns over judicial independence and government interference.
• A committee has been formed to investigate the allegations against Torkornoo.

Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, marking a historical precedent as the first suspension of a sitting chief justice in the nation. This decision came after the filing of three petitions that raised allegations of misconduct against her. The suspension allows for a proper investigation, according to the administration, yet it has ignited significant political discourse regarding judicial accountability in Ghana, according to BBC and AllAfrica.

The petitions that led to Torkornoo's suspension have remained undisclosed, with various political figures reacting strongly to the announcement. Former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame described the suspension as “the biggest assault on the judiciary in the nation’s history,” criticizing the procedural integrity of the process, particularly the delay in providing the petitions to Torkornoo, as a violation of her rights. This sentiment was echoed by other opposition leaders who accuse Mahama of undermining the judiciary and manipulating it for political benefit, according to AllAfrica and Africa News.

A five-member committee has been established to thoroughly investigate the allegations against the Chief Justice. Torkornoo, who was appointed in 2023 as Ghana's third female chief justice, has not responded publicly to the claims. The committee's deliberations are expected to delve into the legitimacy of the claims while addressing the ongoing debate about the independence of the judiciary in Ghana's political landscape, as reported by Africa News and BBC.