Amidu warns against political interference in CJ impeachment talks

Former Special Prosecutor Martin Amidu has expressed serious concerns. He is worried about the process to remove Ghana's Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. Amidu cautioned against politicizing this constitutional procedure.

In an open letter on May 26, 2025, he criticized the government's early public disclosure of the process. He called it "worrying" and "displeasing."

His comments followed a press release from Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu on March 25, 2025. The statement revealed that President John Dramani Mahama consulted the Council of State about three petitions for the Chief Justice's removal. This was done according to Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.

Amidu shares his views with veteran statesman Sam Okudzeto. On Joy FM’s Top Story on March 27, Okudzeto expressed dismay over how the matter was handled publicly. He stated that such petitions should not be publicized when submitted to the President.

Okudzeto emphasized that publicity should only follow after a prima facie case is established by the Council and President.

The content of the petitions remains undisclosed in the government’s release. Tensions rose when New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP Vincent Ekow Assafuah filed a writ at the Supreme Court on March 27. He sought to halt the petition process.

Assafuah's legal representation comes from Dame and Partners, led by former Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame. They filed the suit at 9:20 a.m., along with an application for an injunction to freeze all related proceedings.

Amidu questioned Dame’s involvement in this case. He noted that Dame was involved in Chief Justice Torkornoo’s appointment previously.

“Mr. Godfred Dame is the immediate past Attorney-General under whose watch Mrs. Gertrude Torkornoo was proposed,” Amidu pointed out.

He warned that what started as a constitutional petition has turned politically charged now. It is fueled by partisan interests and legal maneuvering.

“When I read the Writ filed by Dame and Partners, I felt it had taken a political turn,” Amidu wrote.