Accra: Mr Kwaku Ansa-Asare, former Director of the Ghana School of Law, has criticized the recent press conference held by suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, stating that it constitutes a betrayal of the 1992 Constitution. Chief Justice Torkornoo's actions, he argued, have undermined the very Constitution she vowed to uphold, highlighting the judiciary as an institution in dire need of reform.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Ansa-Asare made these remarks during a television discussion, emphasizing that although the press conference was unexpected, it provided an opportunity to scrutinize the Constitution and consider necessary amendments. He noted that the Chief Justice's frustration over her removal process indicated she had overseen a judicial system capable of causing frustration to litigants.
The comments from Mr Ansa-Asare come amid widespread public discourse regarding Chief Justice Torkornoo's suspension and her decision to hold a press conference earlier in the week. He criticized her for addressing the public while a committee, established by President John Dramani Mahama to investigate petitions against her, was still conducting its work. He stressed the importance of adhering to constitutional guidelines when discussing judicial matters.
Mr Ansa-Asare explained that the President's actions were based on constitutional respect, particularly Article 146, and advised Chief Justice Torkornoo to apologize to the President. He also pointed out that successive governments had historically strayed from constitutional provisions concerning judicial appointments, eroding public confidence in these institutions.
Despite his criticisms, Mr Ansa-Asare acknowledged that Chief Justice Torkornoo, in her current situation, had exposed systemic weaknesses within the justice delivery system, aligning with public perceptions of the judiciary. He highlighted that the public has long believed there are fundamental issues with the administration of justice in the country.
Mr Ansa-Asare also argued that the Chief Justice's public denial of accepting bribes was an implicit admission of corruption within Ghana's judicial system. He pointed to her concerns about secrecy and alleged cover-ups as indicative of the judiciary's poor state, calling for a comprehensive reform of the judicial system.
He expressed optimism that Chief Justice Torkornoo's situation might prompt actions to address the entrenched issues within Ghana's justice delivery system.
During her press conference, Chief Justice Torkornoo stated her intention to use all legal and leadership avenues to seek justice in the removal process. She described the situation as a model of injustice she had not imagined possible, reiterating her commitment to addressing issues within the country's justice administration.