Popular Ghanaian journalist, Afia Pokuaa, also known as Vim Lady, has expressed strong disapproval of President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to refer petitions seeking the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo to the Council of State.
In a Facebook post, Vim Lady stated that the President’s action is setting a very bad precedent in Ghana’s democracy. She believes that this move could have serious consequences for the country’s judicial system and the independence of the judiciary.
Her comments come after President Mahama, through a statement issued by Minister for Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu, confirmed that he had forwarded the petitions to the Council of State. This is in accordance with Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, which outlines the process for removing a Chief Justice.
According to Vim Lady, allowing the removal process to proceed under the new administration could create a dangerous cycle where future governments may also attempt to remove judges based on political reasons. She fears this could undermine the confidence that Ghanaians have in the judiciary.
“This is a very bad precedent,” she reportedly wrote in her post.
This is not the first time a petition has been filed against Chief Justice Torkornoo. Earlier this year, former President Nana Akufo-Addo dismissed a similar petition filed by Prof. Stephen Kwaku Asare, saying it lacked merit. The petition had accused the Chief Justice of misconduct, irregularities in panel reconstitution, and constitutional breaches.
Under Article 146, if the Council of State advises the President to proceed, a committee will be formed to investigate the allegations. The committee will include two Supreme Court Justices and three other individuals who are not members of Parliament, the Council of State, or the legal profession. If the committee recommends removal, the President will be required to act on it.
