Monday, March 31, 2025

Charlotte Osei dragged into controversy over petition seeking removal of Chief Justice

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Charlotte Osei is a former chairperson for the Electoral Commission Charlotte Osei is a former chairperson for the Electoral Commission

Former Electoral Commission Chairperson, Charlotte Kesson-Smith Osei, has become a prominent topic on social media, particularly on X, following the Council of State’s consultation process in response to three petitions calling for the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

In the process, Gertrude Torkornoo has formally requested copies of the petitions submitted to President John Dramani Mahama seeking her removal from office.

In a letter to the President on Thursday, March 27, 2025, she requested access to the documents to enable her to respond accordingly.

“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),” she stated.

Torkornoo’s request has sparked several conversations.

Critics calling for the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo have suggested that the petition copies should not be made available to her. They referenced the case of Charlotte Osei in 2018, noting that when she faced petitions for her removal as Electoral Commission Chair, she was reportedly denied access to copies of those petitions, despite her request.

They asserted that the entire situation, which has encountered strong opposition from some members of the New Patriotic Party, has vindicated Charlotte Osei, accusing the previous government of engaging in a witch hunt against her.

Additionally, they pointed out that some individuals who supported and celebrated Charlotte Osei’s removal from her position as Electoral Commission Chair are now the same people leading the opposition against the removal of the Chief Justice.

On the other hand, individuals who are supporting the CJ have backed her request for copies of the petition.

Neutral observers seem to suggest that the current politicisation of incidents in the country could potentially be harmful, as it appears that each political party that comes into power may take actions that could be seen as seeking revenge against their opponents.

They also suggested that such actions may not promote the growth of the country, as a future government might feel inclined to engage in acts that could be seen as retaliation, potentially leading to an unending cycle.

Read some of the posts under the trending topic below:

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MAG/EK

Meanwhile, watch this concluding part of our sit-down with the 100-year-old World War II veteran, who was also present at the 28th February Shooting, below:

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