Alfred Ababio Kumi, a Ghanaian citizen has petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to immediately dissolve the committee probing suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo.
According to the petitioner, the members of the committee undermine the integrity and credibility of the ongoing inquiry.
Alfred Ababio Kumi in his petition alleged that a meeting between two committee members Justices Gabriel Pwamang and Samuel Adibu-Asiedu and Thaddeus Sory, counsel for one of the petitioners in the matter.
According to him, the meeting occurred on 15 May at Santoku Restaurant with Supreme Court Justice, Yonni Kulendi also in attendance.
Mr. Kumi claimed the individuals were reportedly overheard discussing matters relating to the petition.
The petition stated, “The meeting between Justices Pwamang, Kulendi and Asiedu with Thaddeus Sory clearly has destroyed the integrity of the process and reduced public confidence in the process so far”.
“Justice Pwamang is known to be interested in becoming the Chief Justice following your election as President… Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu is also on record to have actively lobbied to be the Chief Justice after the exit of Justice Anin Yeboah,” Kumi stated.
Alfred Ababio Kumi called the entire process a potential sham and called on President Mahama to act to safeguard the credibility of the constitutional process.
Meanwhile, the President established a committee in compliance with Article 146(6) of the Constitution and in consultation with the Council of State with the following composition to inquire into the petitions which have been referred to them”.
The five-member committee, announced by the presidency composed of:
- 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
Two renowned lawyers affiliated with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Tsatsu Tsikata, and Thadeus Sory and Lawyer and activist, Oliver Barker-Vormawor are representing the petitioners in the suspended Chief Justice Torkonoo probe.
The probe commenced on Thursday, 15 May 2025, 24 days after the Chief Justice was suspended from office pending the investigations.
According to reports, at the Committee’s first in-camera sitting, Tsatsu Tsikata and Thadeus Sory proclaimed themselves as lawyers for Shining Stars of Ghana, one of the three petitioners.
Oliver Barker-Vormawor appeared for Daniel Ofori, also a petitioner with Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Ayamga Yakubu Akolgo, a lawyer and petitioner, representing himself.
