NPP’s Frank Davies urges caution, due process in Chief Justice removal debate
Frank Davies, Director of Legal Affairs for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has raised concerns regarding the growing politicization surrounding efforts to remove Ghana’s Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo. Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on April 19, Davies acknowledged that while the country’s constitution permits such a removal, the current approach threatens the integrity of the legal system and Ghana’s democratic principles.
He clarified that the constitutional mechanism for removing a Chief Justice isn’t inherently problematic. Instead, what poses a challenge is the way the situation is unfolding in public discourse. “It’s not the removal, per se, of a Chief Justice which is the problem,” Davies explained. He emphasized that the constitution provides a legal foundation for such actions, and if citizens invoke it with a valid reason, it should be treated as a legitimate democratic process.
Despite this constitutional basis, Davies noted that the situation has been overtaken by political narratives, creating confusion and undermining public confidence in the judicial system. He expressed his unease with the level of political interference, saying that the issue has become increasingly clouded by partisanship. “For me, the aberration is when the issues are so muddied, and there’s a persistent refrain by people who should know better. That is where the worry is,” he stated.
He stressed the importance of allowing legal processes to take their natural course, without manipulation from political actors. Davies called on all parties involved to demonstrate respect for the rule of law and ensure that the constitutional procedures are not exploited for political purposes.
His remarks come at a time when the debate over the potential removal of Chief Justice Torkornoo has intensified, attracting criticism and commentary from both sides of Ghana’s political divide. While the constitution provides a clear path for judicial accountability, concerns about the misuse of this process for political gain continue to mount.
Davies’ comments underscore a broader concern about protecting the independence of the judiciary. He called for a more measured and lawful approach, urging the public and political stakeholders to focus on facts and legality rather than partisan interests. His position highlights the need for caution and due process in sensitive matters affecting national institutions.
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