Martin Kpebu explains why sacked Chief Justice cannot go back to the SC

A private legal practitioner, Martin Kpebu, has explained that Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, who has been removed from her position as the Chief Justice, cannot return to the Supreme Court bench as a judge.

According to lawyer Martin Kpebu, Torkornoo's removal as Chief Justice also means she has been removed as a superior court judge, citing Article 146.

Speaking in an interview with GhanaWeb, Kpebu explained that the sacked Chief Justice cannot return to the Supreme Court bench or serve in any lower court as a result of the sacking.

“Actually, she has been removed as a Superior Court Judge. The Chief Justice is just one additional role for her as a superior court judge, but the main thing is she’s a superior court judge, Article 146, so if you do anything and you’re removed as a superior court judge together with the Chief Justiceship,” he told GhanaWeb.

Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo sacked

Yesterday, September 1, 2025, President John Dramani Mahama, in accordance with Article 146(9) of the 1992 Constitution, removed the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkonoo, from office with immediate effect.

The President's action followed receipt of the report of the Committee constituted under Article 146(6) to inquire into a petition submitted by a Ghanaian citizen, Daniel Ofori.

Her sack was contained in a statement issued by the Minister of State in charge of government communications and spokesperson to the President, Felix Kwakye Ofosu.

“After considering the petition and the evidence, the Committee found that the grounds of stated misbehaviour under Article 146(1) had been established and recommended her removal from office," Kwakye Ofosu's statement read.

Under Article 146(9), the President is required to act in accordance with the Committee's recommendation.

Torkornoo's tenure as Chief Justice was marked by controversy, including allegations of misconduct and financial misappropriation.

She was suspended on April 22, 2025, and a five-member committee was set up to investigate petitions against her.

The Committee, led by Justice Gabriel Pwamang, found grounds of stated misbehaviour, leading to her dismissal.

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