President John Dramani Mahama has suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo after three corruption complaints were filed against her. This is the first time in Ghana’s history that a sitting Chief Justice has been suspended for investigation.

The suspension was announced after President Mahama met with the Council of State, who agreed that there is enough evidence to look into the case. While the full details of the complaints haven’t been shared, officials say they involve issues like changing court records and misuse of public funds.

To investigate the case, a five-member panel has been formed. It is led by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Pwamang and includes Daniel Domelevo, Ghana’s former Auditor-General.

Justice Torkornoo, who became Chief Justice in June 2023 under former President Nana Akufo-Addo, is Ghana’s third female Chief Justice. Earlier this year, she survived another petition that called for her removal, but it was dismissed.

President Mahama, who took office in January 2025, says he is committed to fighting corruption and building trust in government. His spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, said, “No official will be protected if they are found guilty. The law must be respected.”

Justice Torkornoo has ten days to respond to the accusations. The results of the investigation could strongly affect the country’s justice system and the president’s anti-corruption efforts.