Accra, Ghana — A formal petition has landed on President John Mahama’s desk, calling for the immediate disbandment of the committee currently investigating Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo. Filed by lawyer Alfred Ababio Kumi, the petition alleges that a clandestine dinner meeting between members of the investigative panel and counsel representing one of the petitioners has irredeemably compromised the integrity of the entire process. The core of Kumi’s complaint centers around concerns of impartiality in the ongoing inquiry into Chief Justice Torkornoo.

The allegations, if proven true, could derail the investigation before it reaches any meaningful conclusion. This article delves into the specifics of the petition, the key individuals named, and the potential ramifications for the inquiry into the conduct of the Chief Justice.

The petition outlines a series of events that, according to Kumi, cast a dark shadow over the investigation.

At the heart of the matter is a gathering at Santoku Restaurant in Accra on May 15, 2025, reportedly between 7:30 and 8:30 PM. According to the petition, Justices Gabriel Pwamang and Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu, both sitting Supreme Court judges and members of the inquiry panel, allegedly met with Justice Yonni Kulendi, also a Supreme Court judge but not on the inquiry panel, and Thaddeus Sory, who is counsel for one of the petitioners, Daniel Ofori. The petition states this meeting occurred mere hours after the committee’s first official sitting.

Kumi’s petition claims that discussions pertaining to the petition against Chief Justice Torkornoo were overheard during this meeting. He asserts that the presence of these individuals at Santoku Restaurant that evening can be verified, implying potential witnesses to the discussions.

Several key figures find themselves at the center of this unfolding controversy. Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo is, of course, the subject of the initial investigation. President John Mahama is now tasked with reviewing the petition and deciding whether to dissolve the investigative committee. Alfred Ababio Kumi, the petitioner, firmly believes the alleged meeting has irrevocably tainted the inquiry. He described the alleged meeting as “a grave worry” and “a clear compromise of fairness.”

Justices Gabriel Pwamang and Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu face accusations of a potential conflict of interest, further complicated by rumors of their own ambitions for the Chief Justice role. Justice Yonni Kulendi’s presence raises eyebrows due to an alleged past rivalry with Justice Torkornoo. Thaddeus Sory’s role as counsel for petitioner Daniel Ofori also places him under scrutiny.

Other members of the committee, including Daniel Yao Domelevo (Former Auditor-General), Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo, and Professor James Sefah Dzisah, are not directly implicated in the alleged meeting but are part of the committee whose integrity is now being questioned.

Beyond the alleged secret meeting, the petition raises broader concerns about potential conflicts of interest stemming from past relationships and career aspirations of the involved judges.

Justice Pwamang, for instance, previously ruled in favor of Daniel Ofori, who is represented by Thaddeus Sory. The petition also alludes to Justice Pwamang’s alleged interest in potentially becoming Chief Justice under a future Mahama administration.

The petition further suggests that Justice Asiedu allegedly lobbied for the CJ role following Justice Anin Yeboah’s retirement, while Justice Kulendi was allegedly disappointed after being passed over for the Chief Justice position in favor of Torkornoo. The petition notes, “It is therefore not surprising that he voted with alacrity against the plaintiff… Clearly, he has an interest in seeing the exit of Justice Torkornoo as Chief Justice.”

Kumi’s petition makes a direct appeal to President Mahama, urging him to dissolve the committee to safeguard the integrity of the 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,” Kumi wrote. The petition emphasizes the potential for the entire inquiry to be undermined if the alleged biases are not addressed.

The President’s office is now expected to carefully review the petition and determine the appropriate course of action. The stakes are high, as any decision will have significant implications for the investigation of Chief Justice Torkornoo and the public’s perception of the judiciary.

The petition calling for the dissolution of the CJ probe panel has injected considerable uncertainty into the investigation of Chief Justice Torkornoo. The allegations of a secret meeting and potential conflicts of interest have cast a shadow over the impartiality of the process. President Mahama’s response to the petition will be pivotal in determining the future of the inquiry and maintaining public trust in the judicial system. With the submission of this petition regarding the CJ probe panel, the coming days are expected to bring greater clarity as the next steps are determined.