The Chairman of the Article 146 Committee of Inquiry has formally presented its first report on petitions seeking the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo to President John Mahama.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony at the Jubilee House, the Chairman, Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, recalled that in March this year, three separate petitions were submitted to the President under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, requesting the removal of the Chief Justice.

The petitions were subsequently referred to the Committee in line with constitutional provisions.

The Committee, inaugurated on May 15, 2025, held its proceedings in camera, as required by law. It received testimony from Daniel Ofori, the first petitioner, and thirteen witnesses.

The Chief Justice mounted a strong defence, personally testifying before the panel and calling twelve witnesses, including expert witnesses.

In all, about 10,000 pages of documentary evidence were tendered by both parties, with each side represented by four lawyers.

• Read also: Chief Justice suspension: Committee adjourns hearing of 2nd petition against Torkornoo

The Chairman stressed that the Committee’s deliberations were conducted with fairness, noting that “after critical and dispassionate examination and assessment of all the evidence… we have, without fear or favour, arrived at a recommendation on the first petition.”

The sealed recommendation was then handed over to the President.

The Committee further disclosed that the second petitioner, together with the Chief Justice, requested an adjournment in respect of the second petition.

That request was granted, and reports on the second and third petitions are expected in due course.

The Committee stressed that while the hearings were held in camera, the process was not in secret, underscoring the transparency of its work within the confines of constitutional requirements.