Member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Abraham Amaliba, has defended President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to suspend Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, assuring the public that due process is being strictly adhered to.
Speaking on TV3’s The Key Points on Saturday, April 26, Amaliba stated, “The suspended Chief Justice still has an opportunity to come back if she’s able to exonerate herself. Due process is being followed by the President.”
His comments come amid widespread debate over the suspension, with critics raising concerns about judicial independence and political interference.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has also weighed in, calling for a process that is firmly anchored in constitutional principles and fairness.
In a statement released Thursday, jointly signed by National President Mrs. Efua Ghartey and National Secretary Kwaku Gyau Baffour, the GBA underscored the importance of respecting the Rule of Law.
“The GBA also notes the provisions of Article 146 (8), (9) and (10) which indicate that the sittings of the Committee shall be held in camera and the President, acting in accordance with the advice of the Council of State, may suspend the Chief Justice,” the statement read, highlighting the legal framework guiding such proceedings.
The Association further emphasized that even though Article 146 (6) to (10) outlines the procedure for the removal of a Chief Justice, it is crucial that the ongoing process remains just and constitutionally sound.
“While the GBA recognises the constitutional prescriptions for the removal of the Chief Justice under Article 146 (6) to (10) of the Constitution, and mindful of the fact that presently, the entire matter is sub judice, it is the hope and belief of the GBA that the actors involved in the whole process would have the time tested tenets of the Rule of Law as their guiding principles and in its application, follow the Spirit of the Law,” the GBA’s statement added.
