Former GBA President chastises early public disclosure of Chief Justice removal petitions
By DL News
Published
1 min read
His remarks follow the submission of three separate petitions seeking the Chief Justice’s removal, which prompted former President John Mahama to begin consultations with the Council of State.
Sam Okudzeto, a past President of the Ghana Bar Association and former Council of State member, has expressed disapproval over the early publication of petitions aimed at removing Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
Speaking on Joy FM's Top Story, Mr. Okudzeto emphasized that such petitions should be kept confidential until a preliminary assessment determines whether there is a valid basis to proceed.
His remarks follow the submission of three separate petitions seeking the Chief Justice’s removal, which prompted former President John Mahama to begin consultations with the Council of State.
The Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, confirmed that the petitions have been passed to the Council in accordance with Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.
Meanwhile, two legal challenges have been lodged with the Supreme Court over the procedures being followed in handling the petitions. Additionally, the Chief Justice has formally written to the President, requesting copies of the petitions, and has extended the correspondence to relevant stakeholders.
When questioned on whether it would be lawful for the President and the Council of State to move forward without hearing from the Chief Justice, Mr. Okudzeto noted that the issue isn't solely legal.
