Petition To Remove Chief Justice Is A ‘Preconceived Political Plot’ By Mahama – Sam Pyne

Former Kumasi Mayor, Sam Pyne has vehemently kicked against the likely dismissal of Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, by President John Dramani Mahama.

Following submission of three petitions to remove the Chief Justice, President John Mahama has begun consultations with the Council of State.

According to a statement from Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the President forwarding the petitions to the Council of State is in line with the constitutional process outlined in Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.

Article 146, Clauses 6 states; “Where the petition is for the removal of the Chief Justice, the President shall, acting in consultation with the Council of State, appoint a committee consisting of two Justices of the Supreme Court, one of whom shall be appointed chairman by the President, and three other persons who are not members of the Council of State, nor members of Parliament, nor lawyers.”

Clause 7 expounds that the committee “shall inquire into the petition and recommend to the President whether the Chief Justice ought to be removed from office”.

But to Sam Pyne, the petitions are a “preconceived plot” by President Mahama.

He argued on Peace FM’s “Kokrokoo” show that the President, in 2022, made certain statements purportedly aimed to dismiss Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo.

“On the 28th of August, 2022, President Mahama met NDC lawyers and some leaders and told them something and I am quoting him as reported…He said ‘it will take a new Chief Justice to repair the broken image of the Judiciary’…So, this is a premeditated attempt” to remove the Chief Justice, Sam Pyne lamented.

Sam Pyne further admonished the President to make the content of the petitions public for Ghanaians to know whether removing the Chief Justice is a judicious decision or a political witch-hunt.

“We must know the identities of the petitioners and what is contained in the petition”, he insisted.

Source: Ghmessenger.com