The Progressive People’s Party (PPP) has rejected the Ghana Bar Association’s (GBA) call for President John Dramani Mahama to reverse the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Esaaba Torkonoo, describing it as an attempt to undermine due process.
President Mahama announced the suspension of the Chief Justice on Tuesday, April 22, after determining that a prima facie case had been established against her.
This decision followed three separate petitions seeking her removal from office and was carried out in line with Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution, in consultation with the Council of State.
In response, the GBA passed a resolution at its Mid-Year Conference held in Accra on Saturday, April 26, urging the President to revoke the suspension.
The resolution, according to Thelawplatform.online, was informed by the Bar’s review of the petition details and its expressed disappointment with the President’s action.
But in a press statement dated April 28, the PPP criticised the GBA’s position, insisting the call seeks to halt the lawful processes outlined in the Constitution.
“As an association of learned lawyers, we had hoped the GBA would affirm adherence to due process in this matter. Instead, their call for a ‘suspension of the CJ’s suspension’ is perplexing and could be interpreted as an attempt to suspend due process itself, potentially setting aside portions of our Constitution,” the party said.
“Such calls from the GBA and other entities are not only a threat to our democratic principles but also suggest a selective and subjective application of the law, contingent on the individuals involved,” the statement added.
Reaffirming its position on the matter, the PPP said, “The suspension, as executed by the President, was lawful and in full compliance with the due process of law as enshrined in our 1992 Constitution.”
The party noted that due process involves adherence to established procedures, upholding the rule of law, and protecting the rights of individuals.
It also pointed out that the Chief Justice was given an opportunity to respond to the petitions prior to her suspension.
