Chief Justice Torkornoo responds to Mahama over petitions for her removal

Chief Justice Torkornoo Responds to Mahama Over Removal Petitions

Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has replied to President John Mahama. This follows petitions seeking her removal from office. Her response is part of the consultation process with the Council of State. This process is outlined in Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution.

Torkornoo had a 10-day window to respond, which ended on April 7. The petitions were submitted to the President last month. They have sparked national interest and legal debates about proper procedures.

In her letter to the President, Torkornoo requested copies of the petitions. She also asked for at least seven days to respond fairly and according to due process.

The Supreme Court will hear a related case on April 9. Old Tafo MP Vincent Ekow Assafuah filed this suit. It challenges whether the President can start removal proceedings without notifying Torkornoo first.

Article 146 of the Constitution outlines how a Chief Justice can be removed. A Justice can only be removed for misbehavior, incompetence, or incapacity due to infirmity. The President must consult with the Council of State before appointing an investigative committee.

This committee includes two Supreme Court Justices and three others who are not legislators or legal professionals. If a petition goes to this committee, the President may suspend the Chief Justice based on Council advice.

Additionally, Mahama was petitioned to remove Electoral Commission Chairperson Jean Mensa. A resident from Volta Region also called for Dr Bossman Eric Asare and Samuel Tetteh's removal. This petition cited breaches of fundamental human rights under Article 42 of the Constitution.