Former Council of State member Dr. Nii Kotei Dzani has clarified that President John Dramani Mahama has no direct role in the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo, emphasizing that the process is strictly governed by constitutional procedures.
His remarks come after President Mahama forwarded petitions seeking the Chief Justice’s removal to the Council of State, a move that has sparked public debate.
Critics, including Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, have raised concerns about the potential long-term implications of such a decision on Ghana’s judiciary and governance.
In an interview with Citi FM, Dr. Dzani stressed that the President’s involvement is limited to submitting the petition, with no influence over the final decision.
“This is not the first time that the Council has received a petition to remove the Chief Justice. At every Council of State, we receive about two or three such petitions. But let me make it clear that the President has no technical role in removing the Chief Justice.
“The President relayed the petition to the Council of State. The President does not influence whether the Chief Justice is removed or not,” he stated.