Former Director of Ghana School of Law, Dr. Kwaku Ansa-Asare, has criticised the recent petition to President John Mahama seeking the removal of the newly appointed Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie.
Speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse on Wednesday, Dr Ansa-Asare argued that such petitions must be grounded in a clear understanding of the law.
He stated that no individual can “just get up” to file a petition for the removal of a Chief Justice, stressing that potential petitioners must be well-versed in constitutional provisions governing such actions.
“We must be serious as a nation. Potential petitioners should be educated about the nuances of Article 143 and not just to wake up any day to petition the President for the removal of an acting Chief Justice or substantive Chief Justice.”
He warned that “Or else the functions of the Chief Justice will disappear.”
His comments follow a petition submitted by one Gbande Nabin Yusif, who alleged that Justice Baffoe-Bonnie had misconducted himself and was unfit to occupy the position.
The petition comes ahead of the Council of State’s deliberations on the President’s appointment of Justice Baffoe-Bonnie.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s nomination follows the removal of Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, who was directed to step aside after a presidential decision that sparked considerable public debate.
Her removal has raised questions about judicial independence and executive influence over the judiciary.
The Council of State is expected to advise the President Mahama on the nomination of Justice Bafdoe-Bonnie in the coming days, after which Parliament will play its constitutional role in the approval process.
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