GBA President Calls for Clear Guidelines on Removal of Judges

Ghana Bar Association News

Mrs. Efua Ghartey is the President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA). She has called for clear guidelines on removing judges. These procedures are essential for fair treatment in the judiciary.

Mrs. Ghartey suggested that judges should choose if hearings are public or private. Currently, the law requires in-camera proceedings. She also proposed setting timelines for how long these hearings should last.

At the GBA’s mid-year conference in Accra, she emphasized developing these guidelines. This would ensure timely and fair resolutions for petitions against judges. It would also provide justice and equity for those involved.

“The Bar must take the lead and make proposals,” she advised. She urged the legal community to reform the current system proactively. Her comments follow ongoing controversy over three petitions against Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

This situation is unprecedented in Ghana’s legal history, according to Mrs. Ghartey. She encouraged Bar members to stay vigilant and monitor developments closely. However, she warned that monitoring should be discreet to protect members' freedom of expression.

One key issue from the Chief Justice’s case is establishing a prima facie case. Mrs. Ghartey questioned how this determination is made and what standards apply. She raised concerns about transparency after filing a petition.

“At what point does the public learn about the petition's contents?” she asked. “What if petitions are frivolous but harm reputations?”

The conference theme was: “Expanding the Role of the Legal Profession in National Development.” It allowed reflection on pressing issues affecting members and the legal system.

Topics included protecting judicial independence and addressing barriers faced by the Association. Currently, Ghana has 8,263 lawyers, with 123 more expected soon to serve its 34.4 million population.

Mrs. Ghartey noted that association members play roles in all three branches of government.