CHIEF Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo is on the brink of suspension amidst a series of alleged scandals involving unauthorized approval of vehicles for retired judges, unpaid auction fees, and queried payments.
The New Republic has learned that the CJ may soon face suspension by the President of Ghana as controversies swirl around her. Sources within the Counsel of State have disclosed that a prima facie case has been established against her, despite her staunch resistance.
It has been confirmed that prior to the start of the Easter holidays on Thursday, April 17th, the Counsel of State found grounds in the three petitions forwarded by President John Mahama, as mandated by the constitution.
Consequently, a committee is expected to be appointed to investigate the allegations against Torkornoo. Until a final verdict is reached, she is likely to be suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
Concerns about her imminent dismissal have heightened, with details from the petitions hinting at her potential involvement in the alleged misconduct.
If she is suspended, it could mark the end of her career at the apex of the judiciary, potentially leading to the appointment of the most senior Justice at the Supreme Court as her temporary replacement.
ALLEGATIONS UNRAVELED
The embattled CJ is facing serious allegations, including:
– Unauthorized acquisition of official vehicles by 15 retired Supreme Court justices, resulting in an outstanding auction fee of GH₵3.7M.
– Controversial fuel allowances payments to three former Chief Justices totaling GH₵118,696.52, made without proper approval and involving questionable overseas trips.
The audit report by the Ghana Audit Service has cast a shadow on these expenditures, revealing extravagant spending and potential misuse of public funds. Auditors are demanding the prompt refund of the sums in question, with repercussions threatened if the funds are not repaid.
IMMINENT SUSPENSION OF CJ
Insiders within the Judiciary have hinted at a looming suspension for Chief Justice Torkornoo, following consultations with the Council of State by the President. The New Republic is closely monitoring the unfolding developments as the saga surrounding the potential removal of the CJ continues to unravel.
Watch this space for more insights into the sensational events surrounding Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo.