Egyapa Mercer backs GBA, demands Mahama publishes regulations on CJ suspension

Former Deputy Energy Minister Andrew Egyapa Mercer supports the Ghana Bar Association's (GBA) call. They want President John Mahama to publish rules for suspending Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

Mercer believes the suspension is unconstitutional. He spoke on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday. The NPP member said the President did not set clear rules before the suspension. This violates Article 296 of the 1992 Constitution.

He emphasized that publishing regulations is mandatory, not optional. "It's a mandatory provision," he stated. He noted this situation is unique and requires established rules.

At its Mid-Year Conference in Accra, the GBA passed resolutions about the suspension. They declared it procedurally flawed. The statement said, "The President exercised discretionary powers without required regulations." This omission makes the suspension unlawful.

The GBA agreed with Mercer’s view. They stated, "The President has breached Article 296 of the Constitution." He should reverse this breach, Mercer added on JoyNews.

Mercer’s comments match the GBA’s April 26 resolution. They called President Mahama's action "procedurally flawed and unlawful" due to missing published regulations.