A request has been sent to President John Dramani Mahama calling for the dismissal of Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II from his role as a Court of Appeal judge over claims of professional misconduct.
The petition, dated 7 April, 2026, cites Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution and alleges “stated misbehaviour” in the Dormaahene’s judicial duties.
Submitted by a private individual, the document details what it terms a series of acts that weaken judicial integrity and diminish public trust in the legal system.
Election Oversight Amid Active Case
A key allegation is that the Dormaahene supervised elections for the Bono Regional House of Chiefs while a related matter was still before the Kumasi High Court. The petitioner says that although the Electoral Commission (EC) opted not to continue because of the pending litigation, the judge reportedly proceeded to conduct the polls. The filing contends this breaches the sub judice rule and represents a direct disregard for court authority.
Conflict of Interest Claims
The petitioner also alleges that the Dormaahene ran in the same election as a contestant and later administered the oath to the declared winners, including himself.This, it states, raises significant questions over conflict of interest and misuse of judicial position.
Alleged Disregard for Court Rulings
A further major accusation is that the judge declined to abide by a High Court verdict recognising Nana Samgba Gyafla II as the Paramount Chief of the Sampa Traditional Area. The petition notes that the Dormaahene publicly said he would not accept the judgment and would bar the recognised chief from attending meetings, even if it led to imprisonment. Such actions, the petitioner argues, weaken judicial authority and establish a harmful example.
Controversial Public Statements
The filing also points to alleged remarks made by the judge, including suggestions that he could ignore court decisions and comments in a viral recording that question adherence to the law. If proven, the petitioner maintains, such remarks are inconsistent with the duties of a Superior Court judge.
Chieftaincy and Safety Issues
The petition additionally cites the Dormaahene’s supposed role in a chieftaincy disagreement, claiming he backed an opposing claimant despite official recognition of another chief in the National Register of Chiefs. It further alleges his involvement in activities carried out in violation of a restraining order issued by the Ghana Police Service.
Call for Constitutional Process
The petitioner is asking President Dramani Mahama to trigger the constitutional procedure by forwarding the case to the Chief Justice to assess whether a prima facie case exists.
Under Article 146, this referral is mandatory before any action can be taken toward removing a Superior Court judge. The petition asserts that the concerns extend beyond personal conduct and go to the core of judicial accountability and the rule of law.Legal analysts say the case could spark wide public discussion given the Dormaahene’s dual capacity as a traditional leader and a judge. For now, focus is on the Presidency as it decides whether to begin the constitutional process.
