Kwaku Ansa Asare is the former Director of the Ghana School of Law
Former Director of the Ghana School of Law, Kwaku Ansa Asare, has criticised the actions of the Minority caucus in Parliament, claiming they reflect deeper leadership issues within the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The experienced lawyer’s comments follow the Minority’s demand for an urgent public statement from both the President and the Attorney General regarding recent remarks by suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
Justice Torkornoo, in her first public address since investigations were initiated into three petitions seeking her removal, alleged procedural breaches, violations of her human rights, and a “grand conspiracy” to unjustly oust her.
At a press conference on Friday, June 27, Asokwa MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah criticised the Presidency’s silence, describing it as untenable given the gravity of the Chief Justice’s allegations.
However, speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse, Ansa Asare dismissed the Minority’s call as “misguided and unconstitutional.”
“The President and the Attorney General have a constitutional obligation to remain silent. Matters will fall outside the constitutional framework if they respond,” he stated.
He cited Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, which outlines the procedure for the removal of a Chief Justice.
“Nowhere in Article 146 does it explain or permit such exchanges. Once the President sets up a committee and the committee is working, he has no further role until their report is submitted,” he clarified.
Ansa Asare added that the Attorney General, as the government’s chief legal advisor, must likewise respect the Constitution and avoid interfering in the ongoing process.
“The President must respect and abide by the constitutional arrangement regarding the Chief Justice’s removal process,” he reiterated.
He further criticised the Minority’s conduct, claiming it portrays the NPP as a party lacking effective leadership.
“There is a leadership crisis in the NPP. Since the deaths of some prominent figures, the party has been without a capable leader. They appear to be in disarray,” he remarked.
“The Minority makes ugly noises to create the impression that the NPP is still a viable political force. But in doing so, they are acting unconstitutionally,” he added.
Reflecting on the previous administration, Ansa Asare stated:
“During former President Akufo-Addo’s tenure, the judiciary was bastardised. The Minority’s current posture seems to be a misguided attempt to undo that damage.”
Describing the Minority’s demand as a “desperate and ill-advised move,” he likened their behaviour to that of a distressed child seeking attention.
“It’s like a wailing child who needs parental attention. If they feel fatherless, they should return to their party headquarters, conduct an internal review, and resolve their issues—rather than plunging the nation into a constitutional crisis.”
Ansa Asare concluded with a stern warning:
“They do not deserve media attention on this matter.”
KA
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