Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo has requested copies of petitions submitted to President John Dramani Mahama seeking her removal from office.
In a letter to the President on Thursday, March 27, she appealed for access to the documents to enable her to respond accordingly.
Her request comes after President Mahama initiated consultations with the Council of State, following the submission of three petitions calling for her removal.
The CJ’s request also comes at a time when the New Patriotic Party Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, Vincent Assafuah, has filed a lawsuit at the Supreme Court questioning the procedure being used to handle the petitions.
In the view of the plaintiff, who is being represented by Godfred Dame, the former Attorney-General, a Chief Justice ought to be alerted of the petitions to give a response before the President can consult the Council of State on the petitions.
The Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, confirmed that the three petitions have been forwarded to the Council of State in line with Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.
While the specific grounds for the petitions remain undisclosed, the process marks the first step in a constitutional procedure that could lead to significant changes in Ghana’s judiciary.
The Council of State is expected to review the petitions and provide guidance to the President on the appropriate course of action.
In her letter to the President, Chief Justice Torkornoo requested a fair opportunity to respond to the allegations against her before further steps are taken.
“I am by this letter humbly and respectfully asking His Excellency the President and eminent members of the Council of State to forward the petitions against me to me, and allow me at least seven days after receipt of same, to provide my response to you, which response can then form part of the material that you conduct the consultations anticipated under 146 (6), before the possible setting up of a Committee of Inquiry under Article 146 (7),” she stated.
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