Allegations have emerged against suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Sackey Torkonoo regarding the misuse of public funds. Sammy Gyamfi, the National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), accused Justice Torkonoo of unlawfully spending nearly GH¢260,000 of state funds on what was supposedly a private family trip abroad.
Speaking on Asempa FM, Gyamfi detailed how the Chief Justice allegedly funded business class travel for her husband and two daughters, while also providing each family member with upwards of $30,000 in per diem allowances.
According to Sammy Gyamfi, state travel policies stipulate that a high-ranking official on a private trip is allowed to travel with only one other person, specifically a bodyguard. Any additional expenses must be covered by the official personally. “How can anyone justify this?” Gyamfi questioned during his remarks. “She used public funds, the taxes of struggling Ghanaians, to finance a private family trip, and that too in business class.”
Sammy Gyamfi argued that Justice Torkonoo’s justification for the expenditure, claiming it was part of her official travel privileges was inadequate and unacceptable.
In light of these serious accusations, President John Dramani Mahama announced the suspension of Chief Justice Torkonoo pending an investigation. In a statement issued on April 22, 2025, the President confirmed that a prima facie case had been established against Torkonoo by consulting the Council of State. Following this decision, a five-member committee was formed to investigate the petitions against her conduct.
The committee includes notable figures such as Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang and former Auditor-General Daniel Yaw Domelevo, among others. As the investigation continues, calls for accountability and transparency within the judiciary grow louder, highlighting the importance of ethical leadership and the responsible use of public resources.
The nation watches closely as the inquiry progresses, with implications not just for Justice Torkonoo but for the broader legal and governmental framework in Ghana.
