By Prosper Mene, April 22, 2025
Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama announced the immediate suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo, the country’s top judge, pending an investigation into allegations of misconduct. As the third woman to hold the prestigious position, Torkornoo’s suspension sparks a national conversation about the challenges and scrutiny faced by women in high-profile leadership roles within Ghana’s judiciary.
The decision follows three petitions calling for Torkornoo’s removal, citing allegations of tampering with court records and misuse of public funds, though specific details remain undisclosed. President Mahama, in consultation with the Council of State, determined a prima facie case exists, prompting the formation of a five-member investigative committee led by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Pwamang. Torkornoo, who has served as Chief Justice since June 2023, is the first sitting chief justice to face a formal investigation through a constitutional process, marking a historic moment for Ghana’s judiciary.
Appointed as the 15th Chief Justice and one of only three women to hold the role, Torkornoo, 61, has been a trailblazer, advocating for judicial reforms like court automation and commercial court oversight. Yet, her tenure has not been without controversy. A previous petition in December 2024, filed by law professor Stephen Kwaku Asare, accused her of misconduct and incompetence for bypassing the Judicial Council in recommending five appeal court judges for Supreme Court appointment.
Women’s rights advocates argue that Torkornoo’s case highlights the disproportionate scrutiny female leaders endure. “When a woman rises to such a position, every move is magnified,” said Abena Mensah, a gender equality activist in Accra. “Mistakes or allegations that might be overlooked in a man are weaponized against women like Torkornoo.” The Chief Justice herself addressed such pressures during a women’s leadership conference in November 2024, stating, “People talk, but I remain focused despite the chaos.”
The suspension has also raised concerns among women in the legal profession about the broader implications for gender equity in Ghana’s judiciary. With only three female Chief Justices in the country’s history—Georgina Theodora Wood, Sophia Akuffo, and now Torkornoo—the investigation could deter aspiring female judges. “It sends a message that women in power are vulnerable to being targeted,” said Esther Owusu, a lawyer and member of the Ghana Bar Association. “We need to ensure this process is fair and transparent, not a witch hunt.”
Torkornoo’s contributions, including her leadership in the E-Justice Committee and her role in the 2020 election petition, have been lauded, but the allegations now cast a shadow over her legacy. The investigative committee, which includes two Supreme Court justices and three non-legal members, is expected to probe the petitions thoroughly, with findings to determine whether Torkornoo will be reinstated or removed.
