Former CJ criticizes article 146, demands judicial reform

Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo has called for changes to the Constitution. She wants to improve fairness and judicial independence in removing a sitting Chief Justice.

On April 30, she spoke before the Constitutional Review Committee in Accra. She criticized Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution. She said it lacks safeguards and favors executive influence.

Currently, a five-member committee investigates petitions against a Chief Justice. This committee is appointed by the President with advice from the Council of State.

Justice Akuffo argued that this process is inadequate. Its decisions are final, made behind closed doors, and there is no chance to appeal.

She stated, “There must be a provision for appeal.” She also suggested an independent body should investigate these cases instead of a presidentially appointed committee.

Akuffo recommended looking at Kenya’s Judicial Service Commission as an alternative. This commission operates without executive interference and includes broader representation.