Legal practitioner and lecturer at the GIMPA Law School, Kwaku Anane-Gyinde, has cautioned against actions that could undermine the judiciary, stressing that courts are the ultimate protectors of freedoms and democracy.
“We must all accept the fact that the courts are the final protectors of our freedoms and democratic systems. We should not engage in any act or omission that would seem to bastardise, undermine, or underrate the importance of the judiciary in our governance system,” he stated.
His comments come in response to three separate petitions calling for the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show, Anane-Gyinde expressed disappointment over how the petitions have been handled publicly.
“I was expecting that if there was any petition at all, the process should be very quiet. In most advanced democracies, this is what happens. If the government decides to make a publicity stunt out of the whole process, what do you expect?” he questioned.
He also emphasised that the constitution does not mandate the removal of a Chief Justice, but rather sets strict conditions for such an action.
“The constitution is not saying that the Chief Justice shall be removed. It states that he or she shall not be removed unless certain conditions are met. The drafters of the constitution were deliberate in this, to ensure that the judiciary remains independent,” he explained.
