Prominent constitutional lawyer Paul Kumi has sharply criticized suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo’s attempt to interrupt the constitutional proceedings initiated to determine her potential removal from office.
Justice Torkornoo, who was suspended by President John Dramani Mahama under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution following three separate petitions seeking her removal, recently filed an interlocutory injunction at the Supreme Court.
Her application, submitted through former Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame, aims to disqualify Justices Gabriel Scott Pwamang and Samuel Asiedu from the investigative panel. Justice Torkornoo alleges that the two justices held private meetings with a lawyer directly involved in the case, raising concerns about impartiality.
Speaking in an interview with Nana Dogbey on Ahotor FM, Paul Kumi expressed his disappointment with Justice Torkornoo’s approach. According to him, any challenge to the composition of the inquiry panel must be supported by substantive and credible evidence, not mere speculation.
“I expected that if the Chief Justice had any legitimate concerns, she would point to concrete instances, such as evidence that specific panel members are card-carrying members of political parties or have exhibited a clear bias against her,” Lawyer Kumi stated. “What she needs is credible proof that their actions or affiliations make it impossible for them to be impartial, not unsubstantiated claims.”
He further dismissed the argument surrounding the appointment of the justices, emphasizing that their selection is constitutionally mandated. “The constitution empowers the President to appoint members of such panels. Whether one agrees with the appointments or not, they remain legitimate under the law,” Kumi noted.
Kumi also criticized the logic behind Torkornoo’s allegations, suggesting that objections rooted in past associations or professional interactions lack the weight to derail a constitutional process of such gravity.
The ongoing case has sparked widespread debate about judicial accountability, impartiality, and the integrity of Ghana’s constitutional framework. Justice Torkornoo’s suspension and subsequent legal challenge represent a significant moment in the country’s legal and political history, with many closely watching the Supreme Court’s handling of the matter.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson # ahotoronline.com
