The Director of Legal Affairs for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has lashed out at President John Mahama’s decision to constitute a committee to investigate the Chief Justice.
Frank Davies described it as more than a legal process against Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, but a targeted political signal.
Speaking Tuesday night on Joy News’ PM Express, he said while the Constitution permits such a probe, the broader context and political overtones surrounding the move raise serious concerns about interference in the judiciary.
“Well, as a trained lawyer, I would rather have wished that we are not where we are now,” he said.
“Because this, this obviously, is the first in our democratic dispensation that the Chief Justice has had to be suspended on petitions which have been filed against her, ostensibly for her removal.”
To Frank Davies, the action reeks of something deeper. “I see it more as an assault on the judiciary, so to speak.”
Host Evans Mensah asked why, since the process follows Article 146 of the Constitution — a clear legal pathway for dealing with allegations against judges.
The private legal practitioner acknowledged the legality but insisted on the underlying motive.
“I am not saying it’s not due process. Of course, Article 146 is a constitutional stricture. So nobody can say that what is happening is not regulated by the Constitution,” he explained.
“It is actually a baby of the Constitution… the processes which have been gone through thus far are procedurally and lawfully permitted.”
But for him, the issue isn’t the process itself — it’s the political environment in which it’s playing out.
“What I’m pointing to is the commentary that has gone on so far, the kind of statements made by very senior political actors.
“It gives a veiled impression that maybe this Chief Justice is not liked, so there should be an attempt to have her removed,” he warned.
He accused President Mahama of using constitutional due process as a cover for political intimidation.
“This isn’t just about accountability. It’s a political message,” he said bluntly.
“And that message is — if you’re not aligned, we’ll come for you.”
The former president, now a presidential candidate, announced on Monday the formation of a five-member committee comprising legal, military, academic, and public service figures to investigate the multiple petitions filed against the Chief Justice.
The committee has been tasked with conducting a thorough and swift inquiry into the allegations.
But Frank Davies said the timing and tone of the announcement were deliberate.
“They want to look like defenders of justice, but it’s the judiciary that’s under siege here,” he claimed. “And we must not sit by and pretend this is business as usual.”
He called on Ghanaians to be vigilant.
“Today it’s the Chief Justice. Tomorrow, it could be anyone who refuses to play along.”
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