Calls for CJ appeal rights are politically motivated – Martin Amidu fires at Sophia Akuffo

Martin Amidu has sharply criticized retired Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo. He responded to her recent comments about changing the process for removing a Chief Justice.

Amidu, a former Attorney General and anti-corruption advocate, expressed his concerns in an open letter. He noted that Akuffo's remarks were made during a Constitutional Review Committee meeting hosted by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA). He believes her comments should be viewed in light of current petitions to remove the incumbent Chief Justice.

Amidu questioned the timing and motives behind Akuffo's statements. He argued that her focus on appeal rights for only one Chief Justice is self-serving. He pointed out contradictions from her time as Chief Justice.

He reminded Ghanaians that Akuffo previously suspended the Electoral Commissioner and two deputies without allowing them to appeal. These individuals held the same status as Superior Court Justices. Amidu highlighted that she acted with then-President Nana Akufo-Addo during this process.

Additionally, he mentioned a petition was filed against Akuffo herself while she was Chief Justice. However, President Akufo-Addo did not act on it until after she retired in December 2019. Amidu criticized this lack of action as a disregard for constitutional procedure since it targeted her.

He further accused Akufo-Addo of violating Article 146 by ignoring a petition against Jean Mensa, then Chair of the Electoral Commission. This makes IEA an ironic platform for Akuffo to call for fairness now.

Amidu concluded that Akuffo's renewed interest in constitutional fairness reflects vested interests. The current President has followed legal processes regarding petitions involving a Chief Justice—something she previously avoided.

He noted that this time, the sitting President complied with Article 146 and his oath of office by starting mandated processes.