The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has strongly criticised the committee that recommended the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, describing the process as a “travesty of justice.”
According to him, the decision to remove Justice Torkornoo was carried out in a manner that breached constitutional procedures and undermined the principles of transparency and fairness.
“It is our [minority] contention that the removal of Torkornoo didn’t adhere to any constitutional procedure. Never should any Ghanaian suffer such a fate. The removal of Torkornoo was cloaked in unacceptably opaque circumstances,” Afenyo-Markin said.
The Minority Leader insisted that the process lacked due process and accountability, adding that such actions set a dangerous precedent for the country’s democratic and judicial integrity.
Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, who was appointed as Chief Justice in June 2023, became the first head of the judiciary to be removed from office under Ghana’s Fourth Republic. Her removal followed a petition to President John Dramani Mahama and subsequent recommendation by a special committee established under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.
The decision has since sparked intense public debate, with sections of the legal community and civil society questioning the fairness of the proceedings.
Afenyo-Markin’s comments add to growing calls for a review of the circumstances leading to Justice Torkornoo’s removal, as the Appointments Committee of Parliament vets Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as her successor.
Read more…
Afenyo-Markin, Ayariga clash at Chief Justice nominee’s vetting
…..
Explore the world of impactful news with CitiNewsroom on WhatsApp!
Click on the link to join the Citi Newsroom channel for curated, meaningful stories tailored just for YOU:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCYzPRAYlUPudDDe53x
No spam, just the stories that truly matter! #StayInformed #CitiNewsroom #CNRDigital
