Suspended CJ Torkornoo is merely barking – Ansa-Asare on injunction to stop removal probe

Kwaku Ansa-Asare, former Director of the Ghana School of Law, has spoken out. He criticized suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo’s legal move to stop her removal process. He called it unconstitutional and “very worrying.”

His comments follow the Chief Justice's application to the Supreme Court. On May 21, she sought to restrain a committee set up by President Mahama. This committee is investigating petitions for her removal.

In her suit, she requests an injunction to halt all committee proceedings. She also wants Justices Pwamang and Adibu-Asiedu barred from participating in any deliberations.

Speaking on JoyFM’s NewsNight, Mr. Ansa-Asare expressed concern over this action. He believes it undermines the Constitution and disrupts a lawful process.

“This is very worrying,” he stated. “The Chief Justice seeks to stop a constitutional process.” He added that any attempt to halt it would be unconstitutional.

He explained that Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution gives only the President this power. The President can initiate removal proceedings after receiving a formal petition.

“The law states that only the President may start this process,” he said. Mr. Ansa-Asare emphasized that President Mahama has followed the constitutional steps correctly.

“The President has not violated any stages in this process,” he noted. Therefore, halting it will be very difficult for anyone.

He concluded by saying, "What they are doing is barking but cannot bite." The lawyers and Chief Justice are merely making noise without real impact.