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The four key allegations in the petition demanding dissolution of CJ removal probe committee

A Ghanaian citizen, Alfred Ababio Kumi, has petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to dissolve the five-member committee investigating petitions for the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, citing serious allegations of misconduct that undermine the inquiry’s integrity.

In a petition reportedly dated May 19, 2025, Kumi raised four major allegations against members of the committee, constituted under Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution to probe three petitions against the Chief Justice.

The committee, announced on April 22, 2025, comprises Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang (Chairman), Justice Samuel Adibu-Asiedu, Daniel Yao Domelovo, Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo, and Professor James Sefah Dzisah.

Compromising meeting with petitioner’s counsel

First, Kumi alleged that on May 15, 2025, after the committee’s inaugural sitting, Justices Pwamang and Adibu-Asiedu, along with Supreme Court Justice Yonni Kulendi, were seen dining with Thaddeus Sory, counsel for petitioner Daniel Ofori, at Santoku Restaurant in Accra’s Airport Residential Area.

He claimed they were overheard discussing matters related to the petition.

“The meeting between Justices Pwamang, Kulendi, and Asiedu with Thaddeus Sory clearly has destroyed the integrity of the process and reduces public confidence in the process so far,” a report by asaaseradio.com quoted Kumi’s petition.

Conflict of interest due to prior judicial rulings

Also, the petitioner accused Justice Pwamang of a conflict of interest, noting that he previously ruled in favour of Daniel Ofori in Supreme Court cases, while Chief Justice Torkornoo took opposing positions in related matters, suggesting potential bias.

“Both Justices Asiedu and Pwamang are panel members set up to inquire into the petition. They have no business meeting with counsel for one of the petitioners outside working hours at an unofficial place – a restaurant, to have a discussion. This is more serious when the record shows that Justice Pwamang gave judgments in favour of the same petitioner, Daniel Ofori, represented by the same counsel, Thaddeus Sory, in the Supreme Court,” the petitioner noted.

Personal ambitions for Chief Justice position

Kumi claimed that Justices Pwamang, Adibu-Asiedu, and Kulendi have personal ambitions for the Chief Justice position, which could compromise their impartiality.

He stated, “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.”

Undermining public confidence

Kumi described the justices’ conduct as “deplorable” and “most unbecoming,” arguing that their actions risk rendering the investigation a “sham” and erode public trust in the judicial process.

The petitions against the Chief Justice, leading to her suspension on 22 April 2025, were submitted by Shining Stars of Ghana, Daniel Ofori, and Assistant Commissioner of Police Ayamga Yakubu Akolgo on February 14 and March 17, 2025, citing allegations of misbehaviour and incompetence.

Alfred Ababio Kumi has urged President Mahama to dissolve the committee to safeguard the credibility of the constitutional process.

“In the interest of preserving the integrity of the process, I hereby petition you for an immediate dissolution of the committee, as its ability to dispense justice is clearly compromised,” the petitioner said.

 

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

Ogyem Solomon

Solomon Ogyem – Media Entrepreneur | Journalist | Brand Ambassador Solomon Ogyem is a dynamic Ghanaian journalist and media entrepreneur currently based in South Africa. With a solid foundation in journalism, Solomon is a graduate of the OTEC School of Journalism and Communication Studies in Ghana and Oxbridge Academy in South Africa. He began his career as a reporter at OTEC 102.9 MHz in Kumasi, where he honed his skills in news reporting, community storytelling, and radio broadcasting. His passion for storytelling and dedication to the media industry led him to establish Press MltiMedia Company in South Africa—a growing platform committed to authentic African narratives and multimedia journalism. Solomon is the founder and owner of Thepressradio.com, a news portal focused on delivering credible, timely, and engaging stories across Ghana and Africa. He also owns Press Global Tickets, a service-driven venture in the travel and logistics space, providing reliable ticketing services. He previously owned two notable websites—Ghanaweb.mobi and ShowbizAfrica.net—both of which contributed to entertainment and socio-political discussions within Ghana’s digital space. With a diverse background in media, digital journalism, and business, Solomon Ogyem is dedicated to telling impactful African stories, empowering youth through media, and building cross-continental media partnerships.

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