Godfred Dame files suit against Attorney-General over Chief Justice removal process

The former Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has filed a lawsuit. He represents Vincent Ekow Assafuah, the MP for Old Tafo. They are challenging President Mahama's actions regarding the Chief Justice's potential removal.

Assafuah is acting as a concerned citizen under Article 2(1)(b) of the 1992 Constitution. He seeks several declarations from the Supreme Court about removing a Chief Justice.

The lawsuit argues that the President must notify the Chief Justice first. The President should also obtain comments from the Chief Justice before consulting with the Council of State.

On Tuesday, the presidency announced that President Mahama was consulting the Council of State. This follows three petitions demanding the removal of the Chief Justice.

Assafuah’s suit requests several key declarations from the court:

1. The President must notify and obtain comments from the Chief Justice before referring any removal petition to the Council of State.

2. Not notifying the Chief Justice violates Article 146(6). It undermines their security of tenure.

3. Any omission in this process interferes with judicial independence, violating Articles 127(1) and (2).

4. Failing to get comments from the Chief Justice violates their right to a fair hearing, making consultations invalid.

5. The court may grant any other reliefs it finds appropriate.

The Supreme Court will hear this matter in upcoming weeks. The Attorney-General must respond within fourteen days after being served.