CJ's Removal Saga: President Mahama has done nothing unlawful – Sammy Gyamfi

The Acting Managing Director of the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC), Sammy Gyamfi, has dismissed criticisms regarding John Mahama’s submission of three petitions to the Council of State for the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo.

In a detailed post on his X account, Gyamfi responded to the ongoing debate, stating that the president’s decision is justified, as he cannot act on the petitions without first consulting the Council of State.

"The case of Agyei Twum v. AG is very clear on the process for the removal of a Chief Justice in Ghana. When the President receives a petition for the removal of a Chief Justice, he must first determine whether a prima facie case exists, in consultation with the Council of State.

"For emphasis, the President does not have the power to make this determination on his own but must do so in consultation with the Council of State," he stated in his March 27, 2025 post on X.

Gyamfi argued that President Mahama acted in accordance with the law by involving the Council of State in the process.

He explained that it was necessary for the president to establish a basis for the removal of the Chief Justice through this procedure, and therefore, he has not violated any legal provisions.

"That is precisely what President Mahama is doing in the case of the petitions seeking the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. The President’s letter forwarding the petitions to the Council of State clearly indicated that he was consulting the Council to determine whether a prima facie case exists.

"He also sought the Council’s input on forwarding the petitions to the Chief Justice and granting her 10 days to respond to the allegations before making a prima facie determination," the post added.

Sammy Gyamfi concluded by asserting that President Mahama is strictly adhering to the constitution and the Agyei Twum case, emphasising that he has done nothing unlawful or improper.

Read his post below:

The case of Agyei Twum vrs AG is very clear on the process for the removal of a Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana.

When the President receives a petition for the removal of a Chief Justice, he ought to first make a Prima facie case determination, *in consultation with the… pic.twitter.com/mARmOyuJFh

— Sammy Gyamfi (@SammyGyamfi_) March 27, 2025