Communication member of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwasi Kwarteng, has accused President John Dramani Mahama of political victimisation in the ongoing process to remove Chief Justice Gertrude Esaaba Torkornoo.
Three petitions seeking the removal of the Chief Justice have been submitted to the Council of State in accordance with Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution.
On April 7, Chief Justice Torkornoo formally responded to the petitions, meeting the deadline set by the President.
However, the details of the allegations and her response have not been made public.
Reacting to the development in a social media post on Saturday, April 19, the legal practitioner said it appears the fate of the Chief Justice’s office is being subjected to the personal preferences and feelings of a new President.
“The Chief Justice is not above reproach, but the fate of that office cannot be subject to the personal preferences and feelings of a new President.
“Undeniably, President Mahama’s attempt to remove the current Chief Justice appears to be nothing more than political victimisation,” he wrote.
The former Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Education also criticised what he described as public silence on the matter, warning that no one should complain if a future NPP government does the same.
“Our silence and indifference in the face of this action amount to an implicit endorsement of rewriting the Constitution to reduce the office of the Chief Justice to a mere presidential appointee.
“If you see nothing wrong with today’s attack, abuse and violation of Article 146, then be prepared to remain silent when the NPP returns to power in 2028 and does the same. After all, principles are not seasonal and they should not change with the government in power,” he stated.
