The Director-General of the National Road Safety Authority, Abraham Amaliba, has expressed concerns regarding the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) response to the ongoing proceedings for the potential removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
He characterized the party’s response as indicative of “legal sophistry.”
This development follows President Mahama’s suspension of Chief Justice Torkornoo on April 22, based on a prima facie case arising from three petitions advocating for her removal. The decision was made under Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution in consultation with the Council of State and has prompted the establishment of a five-member committee to investigate the allegations.
In contrast, the NPP has accused the President of engaging in a politically motivated effort to undermine the Chief Justice.
In a recent interview on Channel One TV, Mr. Amaliba emphasized that President John Mahama has diligently adhered to the constitutional procedures set forth in Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.
He further elaborated that legal sophistry refers to the use of misleading arguments or irrelevant points that may divert attention from the fundamental legal matters at hand.
“So far, the President has gone in accordance with the provisions in Article 146, and nobody can fault the President on any process. The procedure is right, and everything is on point, but the NPP is engaged in legal sophistry, trying to introduce irrelevant points not connected to this issue.”
“If you hear a lawyer focusing on the spirit of the law and not the letter of the law, he has lost his case,” he stated.
In response to allegations of political motivation, Mr. Amaliba stated, “If it were political, and the Chief Justice had no baggage in her cupboard, the NDC couldn’t have done anything.”