Rev. Charles Owusu decries partisan divide in Chief Justice impeachment discourse

Rev. Charles Owusu, former Head of Monitoring at the Forestry Commission, has raised concerns about the politicisation of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo's potential removal. He described this situation as a "deep trust issue" linked to Ghana’s divided political culture.

On Peace FM’s Kokrokoo programme, Mr. Owusu lamented that partisan interests now overshadow legal scrutiny. He stated that the focus has shifted from law to political loyalty. Even professionals like lawyers often abandon legal reasoning for party agendas.

He pointed out that political distrust has long influenced Ghanaian society. This often leads to dismissing public officials after elections. We struggle to trust each other and frequently seek to replace officials with our own.

Rev. Owusu noted that the debate over the Chief Justice's removal shows strong partisan divides. Members of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) support her removal, while those in the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) oppose it. He expressed concern that political posturing is overshadowing legal merits in this case.

He also criticized early developments in this saga, including a lawsuit by NPP member Vincent Ekow Asafuah, represented by former Attorney General Godfred Dame. While he acknowledged Dame’s skills, he questioned the political implications of his involvement.

Rev. Owusu felt Chief Justice Torkornoo acted too quickly by addressing the issue publicly. He remarked that her communication with President Mahama added a partisan layer to an already sensitive situation.

While acknowledging the right to investigate high officials, Rev. Owusu urged President John Mahama to show restraint. He quoted the Bible: "All things are permissible, but not all things are beneficial."

He warned that setting such precedents could lead to more politically motivated petitions in the future. No one is perfect; starting this process may never end well for governance.

Rev. Owusu referenced Ghana’s 2012 and 2020 election petition outcomes as examples of judicial restraint for national stability. Judges considered broader implications even when situations were imperfect.

He called for private discussions between the President and Chief Justice to avoid public disputes on significant matters. Such public spats should not become our new normal.

In a broader context, Rev. Owusu questioned Ghana’s national priorities amid pressing healthcare and infrastructure issues. He highlighted that we lose GHȼ9 billion annually due to revenue leakages while focusing on debates like this one.

People wait months for medical appointments; some die before receiving results yet we fixate on whether the Chief Justice stays or goes. Our hospitals lack resources; women deliver on bare floors while roads become death traps.

He urged us to rise above politics and prioritize people's needs instead.