The Director of Legal Affairs for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Frank Davies, has voiced strong concerns over the way public discourse surrounding the potential removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo is being handled.
Speaking on Newsfile on JoyNews, Davies clarified that the issue is not about the removal itself, which is constitutionally backed, but the manner in which it’s being discussed in public spaces.
“It’s not the removal, per se, of a Chief Justice which is the problem,” he explained.
“It is a constitutional structure where it is founded. So, if that is being exercised by citizens of this country, and there’s a valid basis for the removal of a Chief Justice, it should not be too much.”
What worries him more, however, is how the conversation is being skewed by certain influential voices.
“For me, the aberration is when the issues are so muddied and there’s a persistent refrain by people who should know better. That is where the worry is,” Davies stated.
Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has officially received three petitions seeking the removal of Ghana’s Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo.
The petitions, which cite allegations of misconduct and abuse of office, have now been forwarded to the Council of State in accordance with Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.
Although no final decision has been made, this move marks the beginning of a constitutionally mandated process.
The allegations include claims that the Chief Justice advised the President on certain judicial appointments, made controversial rulings, particularly one involving the Speaker of Parliament, and misapplied an amount of GH¢75,000.
In response, Justice Torkornoo requested copies of the petitions and submitted her formal response to the presidency and the Council of State before the April 7 deadline.
The Council of State is expected to assess whether the petitions have enough merit to warrant the establishment of a committee for further investigation.
