'CJ's Supreme Court move a provocation of committee' - Ansa-Asare blasts Justice Torkornoo's action

Kwaku Ansa-Asare, a former Director of the Ghana School of Law, criticized Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. He disagreed with her decision to file an injunction at the Supreme Court. This move aims to stop a committee from hearing her possible removal.

Ansa-Asare called this action a “provocation.” He believes it undermines constitutional governance. In an interview on JoyNews’ PM Express, he stated that the Chief Justice should have approached the Judicial Council first.

He explained that the Judicial Council was created by the Constitution. Its purpose is to guide Chief Justices in their conduct. “She should have gone to the Judicial Council,” he said.

Mr. Ansa-Asare emphasized that judicial independence is not absolute. The Constitution allows for citizen participation in justice administration, but it must follow constitutional guidelines.

He accused Torkornoo of trying to frustrate the committee's work. This committee was set up by the President under Article 146.

“This is a provocation,” he reiterated. He believes her actions could provoke committee members into unorthodox behavior.

Ansa-Asare has trained many Ghanaian lawyers over the years. He expressed concern that Torkornoo's actions are politicizing her removal process.

“Now the CJ’s removal process is so engrossed in politics,” he noted. Transparency and legality are being challenged by those who should uphold them.

He quoted Professor Kofi Kumado, saying democracy differs from constitutionalism. “Sometimes when the Constitution says ‘shall,’ it means ‘shall,’” he added.

Ansa-Asare lamented a culture of constitutional manipulation among governance actors, including judges. He stressed that governance institutions exist to maintain order and accountability.

He expressed disappointment in Torkornoo’s approach and its implications for future accountability. “If a Chief Justice won’t go to her own Judicial Council first, what example is she setting?”