A Ghanaian citizen, Alfred Ababio Kumi, has filed a petition with President John Dramani Mahama, requesting the immediate dissolution of the five-member committee established to investigate petitions for the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo.

The petition, dated May 15, 2025, alleges serious breaches of judicial conduct by committee members, compromising the integrity and credibility of the ongoing inquiry.

Allegations of Conflict of Interest

The petition centers around a meeting between two committee members, Justices Gabriel Pwamang and Samuel Adibu-Asiedu, and Thaddeus Sory, counsel for one of the petitioners.

The meeting, which took place at Santoku Restaurant in Accra's Airport Residential Area on May 15, was also attended by Supreme Court Justice Yonni Kulendi.

According to Mr. Kumi, the discussion of matters related to the petition constitutes a serious conflict of interest and breach of judicial ethics.

Previous Rulings And Interests

Mr. Kumi further alleges that Justice Pwamang had previously ruled in favor of the same petitioner represented by Mr. Sory, while Chief Justice Torkornoo had taken opposing positions in related matters.

Additionally, the petitioner claims that Justices Kulendi, Pwamang, and Adibu-Asiedu had prior interest in the Chief Justice position and were disappointed after President Akufo-Addo's appointment of Justice Torkornoo.

Committee Composition And Purpose

The five-member committee, announced by the presidency on April 22, 2025, comprises:
- Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang: Supreme Court Judge
- Justice Samuel Adibu-Asiedu: Supreme Court Judge
- Daniel Yao Domelovo: Former Auditor-General
- Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo: Member of the Ghana Armed Forces
- Professor James Sefah Dzisah: Professor, University of Ghana

The committee was constituted under Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution to investigate three separate petitions for the removal of the Chief Justice.

Petitioner's Concerns And Call To Action

The petitioner describes the judges' conduct as "deplorable" and "most unbecoming," compromising their ability to fairly adjudicate the petitions.

Mr. Kumi urges President Mahama to act swiftly to safeguard the credibility of the constitutional process and preserve public trust in the administration of justice.

However, the Office of the President has not yet officially responded to the petition.