…Over Alleged Judicial Misconduct
A fresh petition has been filed against Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, calling for his removal as a Justice of the Court of Appeal over alleged misconduct.
The petition, dated April 7, 2026, has been submitted to John Dramani Mahama under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, which provides for the removal of Superior Court judges on grounds of stated misbehaviour.
The petitioner, a private citizen, accuses the Dormaahene of conduct that undermines the authority of the courts and weakens public trust in the justice system.
Election Row at the Centre
A major issue raised in the petition is an election for the Bono Regional House of Chiefs. According to the document, the Dormaahene went ahead to supervise the process while a related case was still before the High Court in Kumasi.
The Electoral Commission of Ghana is said to have stepped back because of the pending case, but the election allegedly proceeded anyway.
The petitioner argues that this runs contrary to the principle that matters before a court should not be interfered with.
Conflict of Interest Questions
The petition also claims the Dormaahene was not just an observer but a participant in the same election, and later played a role in swearing in the winners, including himself.
That, the petitioner says, raises clear concerns about conflict of interest and the proper use of judicial authority.
Refusal to Comply With Court Ruling
Another serious claim is that the judge declined to comply with a High Court decision recognising Nana Samgba Gyafla II as the Paramount Chief of the Sampa Traditional Area.
The petition alleges he publicly indicated he would not accept the ruling and would block the recognised chief from attending meetings, even if it meant facing jail.
Statements Raising Eyebrows
The document also references comments attributed to the Dormaahene suggesting he could ignore court rulings, along with remarks in a viral recording that have sparked concern about respect for the law.
If established, the petitioner argues, such statements fall short of what is expected of a judge.
Chieftaincy Dispute Angle
There are also claims of his involvement in a chieftaincy dispute, where he is said to have supported a rival claimant despite official recognition of another chief.
The petition further alleges he took part in activities that went ahead despite a restraining order issued by the Ghana Police Service.
Next Steps
The petitioner is asking the President to refer the matter to the Chief Justice to determine whether there is a case to answer, as required by the Constitution.
The issues raised are likely to generate public debate, given the Dormaahene’s dual role as a traditional ruler and a member of the judiciary.
For now, attention is on the Presidency as it considers the next step.
