CJ Suspension: President Mahama should be praised for following due process – Jonathan Abdallah

Johnathan Abdallah Salifu, Upper East Regional Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), believes President John Mahama deserves commendation for following due process in the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo.

President Mahama’s suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude  Torkornoo follows three petitions filed against the Chief Justice.

In an interview on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Wednesday, April 23, Abdallah stated that President Mahama acted in accordance with Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution, which outlines the process for suspending a Chief Justice.

“The process by which a Chief Justice can be suspended is clearly stated in our constitution, and the President hasn’t done anything outside of what Article 146 says.” He stated.

Abdallah also defended the decision to keep the details of the process confidential, citing the constitutional provisions.

“The rules of engagement with respect to this matter say that the petition and the response from the accused should be kept silent until the committee is done with its work.” Abdallah added.

He contrasted this with the case of Charlotte Osei, the former Electoral Commissioner, where he said the previous government acted unconstitutionally by leaking the petition for removal and her response to the public.

“On this score, I think we should give the President a pat on the back for keeping the sanctity of these documents.”

President Mahama has established a five-member committee to investigate the matter, with Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie set to serve as the Acting Chief Justice.

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