The Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA) and the Bar Council of England and Wales (BCEW) together released a statement criticizing Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo’s suspension, which was roundly rejected by Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine.
The Attorney General declared that the suspension is in complete accordance with Ghana’s Constitution and will not be revoked until the conclusion of a judicial investigation.
In a thorough rebuttal released today, August 15, Dr. Ayine charged that the foreign legal entities had made a statement without familiarizing themselves with the pertinent facts and constitutional rules.
He emphasized that the government’s actions did not constitute an executive overreach or a violation of the constitution.
The Attorney General described the procedure that was followed in accordance with Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.
Ghanaian people filed three different petitions accusing the Chief Justice of “stated misbehavior and incompetence,” which set off the process intended to preserve judicial independence.
The President consulted a group of distinguished individuals known as the Council of State after receiving the petitions.
The Council of State determined that a prima facie case had been made after reviewing the petitions and the Chief Justice’s response. After that, a Supreme Court Justice served as the chair of an independent review body.
Dr. Ayine pointed out that the Chief Justice and her colleagues had already attempted to stop the proceedings by filing a lawsuit, but the Supreme Court and the High Court had rejected their requests for judicial review and injunctions as “lacking in merit.”
The Attorney General further disclosed that the Ghanaian government is currently defending the Chief Justice’s case, which she has taken to the ECOWAS Court.
He pointed out how ironic it was that the BCEW and CLA’s joint statement restated points that Ghanaian courts had previously rejected.
Dr. Ayine said that until the inquiry committee finishes its work and presents its report, the suspension will be in place.
He emphasized that the President cannot act alone and is subject to the committee’s conclusions under Article 146.
Below is Ayine’s Response:
Source: newsthemegh.com