Thursday, 26 June

NDC Legal Director urges suspended Chief Justice to challenge petitioners’ legitimacy

Politics
Getrude Torkornoo, suspended Chief Justice

The Director of Legal Affairs for the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Godwin Edudzi Tamekloe, has advised the suspended Chief Justice, Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, to centre her defence before the investigative committee on the legitimacy of the petitioners seeking her removal.

Reacting to the Chief Justice’s press conference on Wednesday, Mr. Tamekloe said if the group that submitted the petition to President John Mahama does not legally exist, that fact should be a central part of her defence strategy.

“Capacity is key,” Mr. Tamekloe emphasised. “If the group does not exist, then that should be part of your defence.

That’s a critical legal point to raise before the committee.”

Chief Justice Torkornoo, who was suspended in April following a prima facie determination by the President in consultation with the Council of State, has alleged procedural breaches and violations of her rights during the inquiry process.

Mr. Tamekloe's comments come amid growing national debate over the fairness and legality of the proceedings, as the committee established under Article 146 of the Constitution continues its in-camera hearings.

 

The Office of the President has maintained that all actions taken so far are in line with constitutional provisions, while the Chief Justice has mounted legal challenges, all of which have been dismissed by the Supreme Court.

Source: Classfmonline.com/Cecil Mensah