Former Council of State member, Dr Nii Kotei Dzani
Former Council of State member Dr Nii Kotei Dzani has clarified that President John Dramani Mahama is not directly involved in the removal of the Chief Justice, emphasizing that constitutional protocols rigorously govern the process.
He made this clarification following recent petitions demanding the dismissal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo, which the President forwarded to the Council of State.
Critics, however, have cautioned against dismissing the Chief Justice without good reason, citing the potential long-term effects on Ghana’s judiciary and government. One such critic is Member of Parliament (MP) Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah of Manhyia South.
Dr Dzani reaffirmed that the President’s involvement in the situation is limited to forwarding petitions and that he has no say in the ultimate decision. He made these remarks while discussing the matter on Eyewitness News on Wednesday, March 26.
“This is not the first time the Council has received a petition regarding the removal of the Chief Justice. At every Council of State, we receive about two or three such petitions. But let me make it clear that the President has no technical role in removing the Chief Justice.
“The President merely relayed the petition to the Council of State. He does not influence whether the Chief Justice is removed or not,” citinewstoom.com quoted him as saying.
Dr Dzani added that the processing of these petitions depends on the Council of State’s session at the time of receipt.
“When the petition is received by the Council of State, its processing depends on whether the Council is in session. If the Council is in session, the chairman presents it for discussion.
“If the Council is not in session, the chairman may call for an emergency meeting because there is a limited time within which the Council must consider the petition.
“The Council can then form a special committee to review the matter. If, after review, the Council establishes a case against the Chief Justice, it will communicate its findings to the President,” he added.
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