Chief Justice Concludes Inquiry on Justice Pwamang Petition

Ghana's Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, has concluded a preliminary inquiry into a petition seeking the removal of Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang. The petition, submitted by investigative journalist Edward Adeti on October 26, 2026, alleged judicial misconduct related to a Judicial Council delegation's visit to the palace of the Tongraan of Talensi in June 2023. The Chief Justice's office determined that the petition did not establish a prima facie case for further investigation.

The petition centered on allegations that Justice Pwamang, as part of the delegation, received a bull as a gift during the visit. The petitioner argued that this raised concerns about compliance with judicial ethical standards on gift acceptance and judicial independence. The petition also questioned Justice Pwamang's participation in a Supreme Court appeal involving individuals associated with the traditional authority. The appeal resulted in the quashing of contempt convictions involving the Divisional Chief of Baare and the Secretary to the Paramount Chief of Talensi.

Under Article 146 of Ghana's 1992 Constitution, petitions seeking the removal of superior court judges are subject to a preliminary constitutional process. This process requires the Chief Justice to conduct a preliminary assessment to determine if there are sufficient grounds for further investigation. The Chief Justice's determination that the petition did not meet the constitutional threshold means that no additional action will be taken against Justice Pwamang.

The decision was communicated by the Office of the President on November 10, 2026, through a statement signed by the Presidential Spokesperson and Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu. The statement confirmed that the preliminary assessment had not established sufficient grounds to initiate additional proceedings against Justice Pwamang. The Presidency maintained that the matter was handled in accordance with the applicable constitutional requirements and principles of due process.

The closure of the petition brings to an end a process that began with the submission of the petition on October 26, 2026. The petition was submitted through the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, at the Jubilee House. The Chief Justice's office conducted the preliminary inquiry in accordance with Article 146(3) of Ghana's 1992 Constitution.

The outcome of the inquiry is consistent with the constitutional requirements for the removal of superior court judges. The process is designed to ensure that petitions are thoroughly assessed before proceeding to further investigative proceedings. In this case, the Chief Justice's determination that the petition did not establish a prima facie case means that the matter will not proceed to the next stage under the constitutional removal procedure.

The conclusion of the inquiry into Justice Pwamang's alleged misconduct allows him to continue serving on the Supreme Court without further disruption. The petition's closure also underscores the importance of adhering to constitutional processes in addressing allegations against superior court judges. The Presidency's statement confirmed that the matter has been handled in accordance with due process.

Key points

• The Chief Justice's office determined that the petition against Justice Pwamang did not establish a prima facie case for further investigation.
• The petition alleged judicial misconduct related to a Judicial Council delegation's visit to the palace of the Tongraan of Talensi in June 2023.
• The inquiry's outcome is consistent with the constitutional requirements for the removal of superior court judges.