Former Speaker of Parliament and seasoned legal mind Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, has waded into the heated debate surrounding the petition process to remove Ghana’s Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo — and he isn’t holding back.
Speaking in a recent interview on JoyNews’ The Pulse, Prof. Oquaye lashed out at Ghanaians who are now criticising the constitutional process, despite its long-standing existence. In his view, many of those raising concerns today remained silent when the same legal structures were in effect years ago.
But he didn’t stop there. Delving deeper into the composition and operation of the panel that handles such petitions, Prof. Oquaye expressed deep concern over what he described as a “ridiculous” system, questioning its fairness and legitimacy.
“You pick any two Supreme Court judges; then you also can pick three other civilians who are not judges, not lawyers and so on, that you think can do justice or go into the matter. The five go and sit. Judgment is by majority.
“So, the two Supreme Court judges will say yes, and the three civilians – ordinary people – say no. That three must hold, right? Because it’s a majority. And then, thereafter, there is no appeal. The matter is closed… if it were you, would you like to appear before such a court? It’s ridiculous. I don’t believe anybody is there in our law. Let me just finish this.”
The former Speaker, who is affiliated with the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), has not only questioned the integrity of the process but has also seemingly distanced himself from the growing chorus within his own party calling for the Chief Justice’s reinstatement.
