By Ghana Eye Report
The Supreme Court has set April 2, this year to hear an injunction application filed by New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, against the procedure being used by the President to potentially remove the Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo from office.
This decision comes shortly after the Chief Justice, wrote a letter to the President and copied the Chairman of the Council of State, Hon. Edward Doe Adjaho, and Member of the Council of State and former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo demanding copies of the three petitions seeking her removal from office.
The CJ’s request came shortly after the suit by the Old Tafo MP at the Supreme Court questioning the procedure being used to handle the petitions.
In the view of the plaintiff, who is being represented by Godfred Dame, the former Attorney-General, a Chief Justice ought to be alerted of the petitions to give a response before the President can consult the Council of State on the petitions.
The Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, confirmed that the three petitions have been forwarded to the Council of State in line with Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution in a statement early this week.
The reasons cited by the petitioners remain undisclosed, however, the process marks the first step in a constitutional procedure that could lead to significant changes in Ghana’s judiciary.
Justice Torkornoo in a letter to the President on Thursday, March 27, requested a fair opportunity to respond to the allegations against her before further steps are taken.
“I am by this letter humbly and respectfully asking His Excellency the President and eminent members of the Council of State to forward the petitions against me to me, and allow me at least seven days after receipt of same, to provide my response to you, which response can then form part of the material that you conduct the consultations anticipated under 146 (6), before the possible setting up of a Committee of Inquiry under Article 146 (7),” stated the Chief Justice. Enditem
Source: Ghana Eye Report
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