Former Director of the Ghana School of Law, Kwaku Ansa-Asare, has expressed concerns over attempts to remove the Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkonoo, cautioning against politically motivated petitions.
Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, he criticized the deep political divide between the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), stating, “This NPP-NDC back and forth will not help the country. We need to stop it.”
According to him, similar petitions to remove a Chief Justice under President Nana Akufo-Addo’s tenure were unsuccessful because the constitutional processes were followed.
He advised President John Mahama to do the same.
“If Nana Akufo-Addo, during his time, rejected petitions against the Chief Justice using constitutional channels, then Mahama should also ensure that the constitution is followed and not go against the laws of the country,” he stated.
Ansa-Asare further questioned the necessity of the recent petitions, arguing that those requesting details about the petitioners were diverting attention from more pressing legal issues.
“Now we have a constitution, which is the supreme law. If we can’t abide by it, then what is its essence?” he asked.
He emphasized the importance of protecting the judiciary, saying, “The judiciary is a very important institution and should not be taken lightly. We should allow the Chief Justice to work because she was appointed in accordance with the constitution.”
The legal expert concluded by urging Ghanaians to prioritize national development over partisan conflicts, warning that constant political battles would only hurt the country’s progress.
Meanwhile, the President has begun consultations with the Council of State following the submission of three petitions seeking the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo.
According to a statement from the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the move is in line with the constitutional process outlined in Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.
ALSO READ:
- Mahama consults Council of State on petitions to remove Chief Justice
- Not every dispute needs to be litigated – Chief Justice
- Chief Justice not above the law; my criticism was constructive – Sam George