CJ removal saga: Address pressing constitutional matters now that you’ve found your voice – Azar to GBA

The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) is under pressure to address key constitutional issues. Recently, the GBA changed its stance. It urged President John Mahama to lift the Chief Justice's suspension.

Just days earlier, the GBA had called for strict rule of law regarding judicial leadership. Now, it seeks the Chief Justice’s immediate reinstatement.

Critics are not satisfied with this shift. Prominent constitutional law expert Professor Kwaku Asare is among them. He challenges the GBA to speak out on important issues affecting judicial independence.

Prof Asare posed six questions for the GBA to consider:

1. Supreme Court Nominations: Does the GBA support direct submissions of names for appointments?
2. Nomination Criteria: Will the association clarify standards used in selecting nominees?
3. Judicial Council's Role: Does the GBA approve bypassing the Judicial Council in nominations?
4. Backroom Deals: Will it denounce secret arrangements between the Chief Justice and Executive?
5. Reconstituted Panels: Is the GBA ready to confront claims about panel reconstitution for outcomes?
6. Unconstitutional Directives: Will it defend against directives that sidestep legal processes?

Prof Asare argues that without addressing these issues, the GBA's call lacks credibility. He suggests they should suspend their resolution until they tackle these concerns.

He stated, “It’s good that the GBA has found its voice.” He added, “We want to hear that voice on pressing constitutional matters.”

The GBA has not yet responded publicly to Prof Asare’s challenge.