Founder and leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP), Akwasi Addae Odike, has called for a constitutional review to strip the President of the power to appoint judges and the Chief Justice, arguing that such authority compromises judicial independence.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Odike criticized Ghana’s constitutional framework, stating that it fails to ensure true separation of powers.
“Our current constitution isn’t going to help this country. There are always issues that expose its lapses. The three arms of government are supposed to be independent, yet the separation of powers is weak,” he stated.
He contended that allowing the President to appoint judges creates a biased judiciary.
“When Mahama was in opposition, he accused the judiciary of appointing NPP-affiliated judges and pledged to neutralize it by also appointing NDC judges. This only promotes a miscarriage of justice,” he said.
“Ghana’s constitution is the enemy of the country, but those who benefit from it refuse to speak up,” he added.
His remarks come as President John Mahama begins consultations with the Council of State after receiving three petitions seeking the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo.
The Council of State is expected to review the petitions and advise the President on the next steps in accordance with Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.
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