Former Member of Parliament for Kpando, Della Sowah, has taken a swipe at the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), accusing the group of hypocrisy.
Her criticism follows a recent press release by the GBA, which called for the reversal of the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
In a statement dated April 26, the GBA argued that the President’s decision to suspend the Chief Justice under Article 146(10) of the Constitution was flawed.
Responding to the GBA during an interaction with the media, Della Sowah questioned the association’s consistency, alleging that it only speaks out on national issues when the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is in power. “Where was the GBA when Charlotte Osei, an astute lawyer, was removed as Chair of the Electoral Commission under the erstwhile NPP government?” she quizzed.
She further pointed out that just a few days ago, the GBA issued a press release signed by its President, Mrs. Efua Ghartey, in which it raised no constitutional concerns regarding the President’s action on the Chief Justice’s suspension.
“Why the sharp U-turn? Is GBA serving the interest of a political party rather than Ghana? Who is forcing them?” she asked.
Della Sowah also challenged the authority of the GBA, stressing that it does not have the constitutional mandate to interpret the law. “Who are you to declare the decision of the President unconstitutional? Are you now arrogating to yourselves the powers of the Supreme Court?” she quizzed.
She urged the GBA to put aside its perceived bias against the NDC, warning that continued partisanship would erode the association’s credibility on national issues.
Sowah concluded by advising the GBA not to mislead its members and young lawyers through biased interpretations of the Constitution. She assured the public that “President Mahama will follow the constitution and ensure everything is done in line with the laws of Ghana.”
