GBA’s call on Prez Mahama to 'suspend the suspension of the Chief Justice’ shocking – Movement for Change

The Movement for Change (MFC) is shocked by the Ghana Bar Association's (GBA) recent statement. The GBA called for President John Mahama to suspend Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo's suspension. The MFC views this appeal as a surprising deviation from constitutional principles.

In a strong statement on Tuesday, the MFC criticized the GBA’s position. They called it legally unfounded and harmful to public confidence in the rule of law.

“We are shocked by the GBA's call for the President to suspend the Chief Justice,” said the MFC. “As an association that believes in the rule of law, their calls must be based on law.”

President Mahama suspended the Chief Justice last week. This followed a prima facie case established under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution. Petitions had been filed for her removal due to alleged misconduct.

The MFC emphasized that this process followed constitutional protocol. The President acted on advice from the Council of State and appointed a five-member committee to investigate.

“The 1992 Constitution is our democracy's foundation,” stated the MFC. “The President’s action adheres to Article 146’s procedural framework.”

While affirming due process and fairness, the MFC reminded Ghanaians that no one is above the law, not even the Chief Justice. They urged impartiality from the investigative committee and warned political parties against politicizing this matter.

The MFC cautioned that GBA’s advocacy could undermine legal processes they claim to support. “We would agree with them if their call was grounded in law,” they added.

The movement also called for broader institutional reforms. They proposed a Second Chamber of Parliament made up of statesmen and women. This body should take over key responsibilities from the current Council of State.

These responsibilities include appointing and removing high-level public officers, reducing political interference in governance structures.

Additionally, they urged the Constitutional Review Committee to prioritize transparency in removing public officials. “Transparency is essential,” noted the MFC, acknowledging that current laws do not mandate an open process.

As scrutiny over Chief Justice Torkornoo's suspension grows, MFC urged calm and patience during investigations. “Let us rise above partisan divides and strengthen our democracy,” said Solomon Owusu, a senior communicator for MFC.