President John Dramani Mahama has received the first report of the Article 146 Committee of Inquiry investigating petitions calling for the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo.
The Article 146 committee presented the report to Mahama at a brief ceremony at the Presidency on Sunday morning, August 31, 2025, by the Committee’s Chair, Justice Gabriel Pwamang, who said the panel had adhered strictly to constitutional requirements throughout its work.
He explained that proceedings were conducted in camera under Article 146(7) and (8) of the Constitution, emphasising that such sittings are not “secret” but rather meant to protect the integrity of the process.
“In camera proceedings are not the same as in secret,” Justice Pwamang clarified. “Certain procedural details may be shared, but not the substance of the deliberations.”
The first petition, filed by Mr. Daniel Ofori, was thoroughly examined. The committee heard testimony from 13 witnesses for the petitioner, while the Chief Justice, who appeared and was cross-examined, called 12 witnesses, including expert witnesses.
In all, the panel received nearly 10,000 pages of documentary evidence, with each side represented by four lawyers.
“After critical and dispassionate examination and assessment of all the evidence, including expert submissions, against the provisions of the Constitution and the relevant laws, we have, without fear or favour, arrived at a recommendation on the first petition,” Justice Pwamang said before handing the sealed report to the President.
He further disclosed that the second petitioner, along with the Chief Justice, had sought and been granted an adjournment in respect of the second petition.
“Accordingly, we shall be reporting on the second and third petitions in due time,” he added.
The contents of the committee’s recommendation remain confidential until the President communicates his decision in accordance with constitutional procedure.
