President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has dismissed a petition seeking the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, citing a lack of evidence to support the allegations of misconduct and incompetence.
The petition, filed by Professor Stephen Kwaku Asare, a Ghanaian legal scholar, accused the Chief Justice of panel reconstitution, issuance of practice directions, and constitutional breaches.
However, after consulting with the Council of State, President Akufo-Addo concluded that the petition lacked merit and did not disclose a prima facie case warranting further investigation. The President's review identified two key shortcomings:
- *Lack of Supporting Evidence*:
The allegations were unsupported by credible documentation or factual basis.
- *Consistency with Law*:
The Chief Justice's actions, including administrative responsibilities under the Courts Act, were found to align with legal and established practices.
Furthermore, the President criticized the premature public circulation of the petition, describing it as a violation of Article 146(8) of Ghana's Constitution, which mandates confidentiality in such proceedings. This violation undermines the solemnity of the process and the principles enshrined in the Constitution to safeguard judicial independence.
The Council of State's review further affirmed that the petition was "frivolous, vexatious, and unmeritorious." Acting on their recommendations, the President dismissed the petition, reinforcing his commitment to upholding the judiciary's integrity.
In his statement, President Akufo-Addo expressed deep concern over attempts to undermine judicial independence through baseless allegations. He reaffirmed that "the independence and integrity of the judiciary remain a cornerstone of Ghana's democracy," cautioning against actions that could erode public trust in the judicial system.
This decision highlights the importance of balancing safeguarding judicial independence with addressing concerns about transparency and accountability. The President's emphasis on constitutional adherence and judicial integrity underscores the need for due process in sensitive matters.
The dismissal of this petition sends a strong message about the need for credible evidence and respect for constitutional procedures when raising allegations against key public officials.
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