Council of State Member overstepped boundaries – Martin Amidu

Martin Amidu has criticized former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo. He accuses her of breaching her oath. This follows her public comments on the constitutional process regarding Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo's suspension.

Akuffo spoke at a forum on April 30. She called Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution “unfair.” She suggested amendments to allow an appeal for a Chief Justice found guilty. Amidu questioned the legality and ethics of her remarks.

He stated, “A Council of State member should not publicly discuss constitutionality.” He believes Akuffo’s actions breach her oath and mislead the public.

Amidu referenced a discussion on Asempa FM’s Ekosiisen programme. Former MP Andrew Egyapa Mercer praised Akuffo for abstaining from Torkornoo's removal process. Amidu thinks Akuffo responded to this praise at the CRC forum.

He argued that she used the CRC to justify her abstention during voting. This, he claims, compromised confidentiality and undermined the committee's work.

By criticizing Article 146, Akuffo discredited fellow Council members who supported the inquiry. Her comments suggest that petitions lack merit and imply improper actions by the Council.

Amidu also highlighted a double standard in Akuffo's advocacy. He asked why she only seeks an appeal right for Chief Justices. When she was Chief Justice, she did not oppose removing Electoral Commissioners without an appeal.

He noted that she faced a removal petition herself but raised no concerns then. President Akufo-Addo did not act on it, violating the Constitution.

Amidu cited a Supreme Court ruling emphasizing confidentiality in petitions under Article 146. He warned against sharing petition details with media before a prima facie determination is made.

He concluded that such exceptionalism cannot be tolerated. It damages the committee's reputation and threatens impartiality in constitutional processes.