Chief Justice removal: Sammy Gyamfi accuses NPP of hypocrisy

Sammy Gyamfi, the acting CEO of the Ghana Gold Board, criticized the NPP. He called their comments on the Chief Justice's removal hypocritical.

Speaking on Joy FM's Super Morning Show, he expressed disbelief at the NPP's arguments. "Let’s call a spade a spade," he said. He found it surprising that media outlets entertain these views.

Mr. Gyamfi emphasized that all citizens must follow the 1992 Constitution for Ghana to progress. "We must promote the rule of law," he stated. He added that Ghana is governed by laws, not individuals.

He referenced Article 146 of the Constitution regarding Chief Justice removal procedures. Mr. Gyamfi challenged anyone to identify any constitutional violations by the President or Council of State.

"Tell me one provision under Article 146 that was violated," he urged. He clarified that the President did not petition for the Chief Justice's removal.

"The President performed his duty under Article 146 according to due process," Mr. Gyamfi asserted. He explained that individuals raised concerns about the Chief Justice’s conduct in five petitions filed directly with him.

These petitioners claimed their rights were violated and argued against her actions as unethical and unconstitutional. Mr. Gyamfi stressed that these petitions were not altered by the President or his appointees.

He responded to claims suggesting that the President should have blocked these petitions. "Should he have prevented them from submitting?" he asked, noting this would breach his oath to defend the Constitution.

Mr. Gyamfi reiterated that the President followed proper constitutional procedures throughout this process. He believed no response from the Chief Justice was needed to determine if a case existed.

However, out of caution, "the President forwarded petitions to her and received her response." Both documents were then sent to the Council of State for review.

The Council concluded there was a prima facie case against her, with 30 out of 31 members agreeing on this finding. Based on this recommendation, a committee was formed to investigate further, leading to her suspension.

Mr. Gyamfi reminded everyone about past actions taken by NPP under similar circumstances in 2018 when four justices were suspended based on Article 146 provisions.

"You are the same NPP who acted then," he pointed out regarding former President Akufo-Addo's decisions.

He also questioned their consistency by recalling Lauretta Lamptey's dismissal in 2013 after NPP members petitioned over misuse allegations.

"This shows Mahama’s fidelity to the Constitution," Mr. Gyamfi stated confidently about past actions taken based on petitions from both NPP members and other citizens alike.

He condemned current NPP stances as attempts to undermine constitutional processes, questioning why some believe certain officials are above accountability under law.