Sam Okudzeto (L), Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo and President John Mahama
A former President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), Sam Okudzeto, has strongly disagreed with the decision to publicise the petitions seeking the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
In an interview on Joy FM’s Top Story on Thursday, March 27, Okudzeto, who also served as a Member of the Council of State, said that such matters should remain confidential until a prima facie case has been established.
“Let me emphasise that this should not have been publicised. When I was on the Council, we felt it was wrong for a petition of this nature to be made public when submitted to the president and forwarded to the Council of State,” he stated.
He argued that it is only after the council and the president conclude that a prima facie case has been made that publicity should follow.
“I think this is a wrong approach,” Okudzeto added.
His comments came after President Mahama initiated consultations with the Council of State following the submission of three petitions calling for the Chief Justice’s removal.
The Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, confirmed that the three petitions had been forwarded to the Council of State in line with Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.
Meanwhile, two suits have been filed at the Supreme Court questioning the procedure being used to handle the petitions.
The Chief Justice has also written a letter to the president and copied other stakeholders, demanding copies of the three petitions seeking her removal.
When asked whether the president and the Council of State would be acting illegally if they proceeded without the Chief Justice’s response, Okudzeto stressed that the issue extends beyond legal considerations.
“It’s not just about the law. It’s also about simple common sense. On what basis can the Council of State and the president proceed without input from the accused person? They need her response to make an informed decision.
“It is only when the council and the president conclude that a prima facie case has been made that publicity should follow. I think this is a wrong approach,” he stated.
His comment comes after President John Dramani Mahama initiated consultations with the Council of State, following the submission of three petitions calling for the Chief Justice’s removal.
VA/AE
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