Sammy Gyamfi, the National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has called for the resignation of the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Gertrude Torkonoo, over her lobbying for some Judges to be called top the Supreme Court.
Sammy Gyamfi describes the action of the Chief Justice as “self-seeking” interest in the appointments of some judges to the Supreme Court.
He argues that, the action of the Chief Justice does not serve the interest of Ghanaians, rather, serves in the interest of a selected few.
He argued, “what she has done is totally wrong, it was totally uncalled for, it is unconstitutional and I think she must eat humble pie, concede this fact, and make amends. But beyond the procedural flaws for me is the whole agenda and intention behind the action.”
Sammy Gyamfi stated that if the CJ was only making a proposal or a request to the president to increase the number of justices of the Supreme Court to ensure the speedy determination of matters pending before the court, then, the issue of procedural lapses could have sufficed.
He explained, “But here is the CJ going beyond a request to the president for him to increase the number of Justices of the Supreme Court which in itself is wrong. She actually goes beyond that to propose specific justices of her choosing.”
The NDC’s Communication Officer added, “that, for me, borders on her intents and agenda she has. It shows that this CJ is not interested in having more justices on the Supreme Court, but actually has her own preference of friends, allies, or people in the judiciary that she thinks should be appointed to the Supreme Court. That is problematic because that brings up these issues of conflict of interest.”
A worried Sammy Gyamfi opines that as the Chairperson of the Judicial Council, which advises the President on nominations or appointments, “she should not be the same person telling the President who to appoint based on her own self-serving criteria.”
“That should tell you clearly, that the main motivation for the CJ is not what we are being told or for the speedy determination of matters before the Supreme Court, but to have the preferences of this Chief Justice appointed onto the Supreme Court. And that is why, for me, I think this is reason enough for this Chief Justice to resign.”
In a letter dated May 30, 2024, the Chief Justice had recommended to President Akufo Addo, the appointment of five judges to the Supreme Court.
The content of the letter stated that Justice Angelina Mensah Homiah, Justice Eric Kyei Baffour, Justice Edward Amoako Asante, Justice Cyra Pamela C.A. Koranteng, and Justice Afia Asare Botwe were recommended by the Chief Justice, Gertrude Asaba Torkonoo to be appointed to the Supreme Court.
However, the NDC’s General Secretary alleged that, the Chief Justice and the President are conniving to shield the government from being held accountable when the NDC comes to power.
Source: peacefmonline.com
