The Minority caucus is demanding President John Dramani Mahama and Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine react to claims made by suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Torkornoo regarding her ongoing impeachment process.
Speaking at a press briefing in Parliament on Friday, June 27, Member of Parliament for Asokwa, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, expressed disappointment over what he described as the deafening silence from the Presidency and the Attorney General more than 48 hours after the Chief Justice’s explosive public statement.
According to him, the issues raised by Justice Torkornoo go beyond politics and strike at the heart of Ghana’s justice system and constitutional order.
Baffour Awuah explained that the prima facie determination is a key constitutional requirement that triggers the impeachment process. Without it, the legal foundation for the ongoing proceedings is in question.
“We are of the view that irrespective of what we think of her, there is a presumption of innocence until she is proven guilty. In that sense, it is very important that all her rights to protect her innocence are called at her. She makes a very fundamental point which underpins the principles of innocence.”
“The point is that according to her, as of now, she does not have notice of the prima facie determination by the President and the Council of State. And that for us is a very worrying situation.”
“For you to appreciate the significance of the prima facie determination, it is important to note that without the prima facie determination, this whole hearing would not have been constituted,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, government spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, addressing the press on Wednesday, June 25 debunked all the allegations by the suspended CJ, describing them as “most regrettable”.
The suspended Chief Justice, who is facing removal under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, held a press conference on Wednesday, June 25.
During the briefing, she described the impeachment process as unconstitutional, politically motivated, and designed to tarnish her reputation.
Justice Torkornoo also questioned the choice of Adu Lodge in Osu as the venue for the hearings, describing it as symbolically disturbing.
She recalled the site’s association with the abduction and murder of three High Court judges and a military officer in 1981, including her uncle and former guardian.
According to her, the venue was deliberately selected to intimidate her and weaken her defence.
