President must follow due process in suspension of CJ -Mama Pat

Hon. Patricia Appiagyei Raises Concerns About Judiciary Involvement in Politics

Patricia Appiagyei, the Deputy Minority Leader and MP for Asokwa, has expressed concerns about politics in the Judiciary. She believes the Judiciary should be protected from political influence.

Speaking to Silver FM, a radio station in Kumasi, she discussed the suspension of the Chief Justice after the “Save the Judiciary Demo.” Mama Pat stated that while the President claims to have followed due process, he should investigate the credibility of received letters before making decisions.

She criticized the President for endorsing petitions outright. This suggests he intended to dismiss the Chief Justice. It also raises suspicions about his plans to amend the constitution for a third term.

Mama Pat warned that this situation threatens democracy and sets a dangerous precedent. She compared President Mahama's decision to add seven Justices to the Supreme Court with former President Akufo-Addo’s attempt to add two Justices, calling it “double standards.”

Additionally, she urged President Mahama to stop invading former officials' residences without due process.

On women's representation in politics under President Mahama, she noted that despite choosing a female Vice President, he ignores the Affirmative Action Act (AAA). This act requires women to hold 30 percent of all appointments.

She argued that this quota is not being met and needs attention. Mama Pat claimed that there seems to be an effort to dismiss female public office holders, including both the Chief Justice and Chairperson of Electoral Commission.

Finally, she called on the President to update Ghanaians about Vice President Jane Opoku-Agyemang's health status. She has been on sick leave for six weeks without any updates on her condition.

*From Oswald Pius Freiku, Kumasi*