President John Mahama has directed Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo to respond within 10 days to three petitions seeking her removal from office.

Callistus Mahama, Secretary to the President, signed the directive in an official letter. The Chief Justice requested copies of the petitions on March 27. These petitions, submitted on February 14 and March 17, 2025, accuse her of misconduct and abuse of power.

On March 24, 2025, President Mahama wrote to Doe Adjaho, Chairman of the Council of State, forwarding the petitions for consultation. As required under Article 146(6) of the Constitution, he sought approval to proceed.

“In response to these petitions, His Excellency, on 24th March 2025, wrote to the Chairman of the Council of State, forwarding the petitions and notifying the Council that, in line with the consultation process required under Article 146(6), he intends to seek your preliminary comments or response. On 27th March 2025, His Excellency received confirmation from the Chairman of the Council of State approving this request. Copies of these communications are enclosed,” an excerpt from the President’s letter to the Chief Justice stated.

The Council of State consented on March 27, 2025. Afterward, the petitions were sent to the Chief Justice for her comments.

However, President Mahama raised concerns about a leaked letter from Chief Justice Torkornoo. Dated March 27, 2025, the letter surfaced on social media before he reviewed it.

Article 146 of the Constitution outlines the legal process for removing a Chief Justice.