Ghanaians will pay a heavy price if Mahama removes the Chief Justice – Adei.
Prof. Stephen Adei Warns Mahama Against Removing Chief Justice and EC Chair
Professor Stephen Adei, former Rector of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), has issued a cautionary statement to President-elect John Dramani Mahama, advising against any moves to remove Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo or the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Jean Adukwei Mensa, without justifiable cause.
Speaking on Hot Issues on TV3 on Sunday, December 22, 2024, Prof. Adei emphasized that such actions would undermine Ghana’s democratic institutions and set a dangerous precedent for the nation’s future. He warned that any politically motivated dismissal of these key officials would not only erode public trust but also jeopardize the stability of critical governance structures.
It will be disastrous, Prof. Adei remarked, referring to any attempt by the incoming Mahama administration to replace the EC Chair. “He will be consolidating a very bad practice which will not augur well for Ghana’s future, whereby every president essentially appoints a new Electoral Commission. We must find a way not to destroy our institutions.”
The Electoral Commission, under Jean Mensa’s leadership, has faced significant scrutiny in recent years, especially during and after the 2020 elections. However, Prof. Adei argued that the frequent replacement of EC chairs based on political inclinations weakens the institution’s independence and credibility. He urged the incoming government to prioritize institutional integrity over partisan interests.
Addressing the potential removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, Prof. Adei highlighted the severe consequences of politically motivated interference in the judiciary. He stated that any attempt to remove the Chief Justice without following due process, such as impeachment based on substantiated misconduct, would have far-reaching negative effects on the rule of law and the country’s democratic framework.
As for the Supreme Court Chief Justice, if they touch the Chief Justice through political removal and not because she has done something that requires impeachment and goes through the proper process, we will pay a heavy price for it, he warned. This isn’t about her as an individual but about the damage to the system and the undermining of our institutions.
Prof. Adei’s remarks come as Ghana prepares for a transition of power following the NDC’s victory in the 2024 general elections. His comments underscore the importance of preserving institutional independence and avoiding actions that could deepen political polarization or weaken democratic governance.
As the Mahama administration prepares to take office, many stakeholders are watching closely to see how it handles key appointments and addresses public concerns. Prof. Adei’s warning serves as a reminder of the critical need to uphold constitutional principles and ensure the stability of Ghana’s democratic institutions.
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