Seasoned journalist Kwesi Pratt Jnr. has questioned the circumstances surrounding the mounting number of petitions against the current Chief Justice, saying her situation is unprecedented in Ghana’s judicial history.
Speaking on Good Morning Ghana, monitored by MyNewsGh, Pratt stated, “All of us or many people are talking about the contents of the petitions that went to the President.
“I count four—actually five. And then I ask myself: what is it with this Chief Justice that, for the first time in our history, five petitions have gone to the presidency for her removal?
“Something must be wrong. What is it? Is it her conduct? What has necessitated this?”
He emphasised that while the constitution outlines a clear path for addressing such issues, it also demands confidentiality.
“The constitution is very clear that this should be done in confidence. The petition itself need not be disclosed to the public. The hearing ought to be held in camera,” he said.
Pratt expressed concern that the leak of sensitive information could tarnish reputations before any formal findings are made.
“There’s a reason the drafters did that—to avoid vexatious and frivolous petitions being made public and causing reputational damage to someone who might eventually be vindicated.”
He went further to question who might be behind the leaks.
“Who is deliberately disrespecting the provisions of the constitution? Is it the Chief Justice herself or the presidency?
“Because at this point, she’s the only one known to have leaked something—proven and known, not rumors.”
Kwesi Pratt recalled a particular incident to support his claim: “Do you remember President John Mahama’s letter to the Chief Justice?
He complained that her request for permission to respond to allegations against her was leaked. That was done in bad faith,” Pratt stated.
