National Petroleum Authority CEO, Lawyer Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe, has called on the five-member committee tasked with investigating petitions against the Chief Justice to expedite its proceedings in the interest of justice and public confidence in the judiciary.
Speaking in an interview, Mr. Tamakloe stressed the urgency of the matter, noting that delays in addressing such high-profile concerns risk eroding public trust in the judiciary, a cornerstone of Ghana’s democracy.
“The integrity of the judiciary is paramount. When serious allegations are raised against the head of that institution, swift and transparent action is not just necessary, it is non-negotiable,” he said.
The Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo, has been the subject of at least two formal petitions filed with the President and the Judicial Council over alleged misconduct and abuse of office.
The petitions were subsequently referred to a five-member committee in accordance with constitutional procedures.
The five-member committee, appointed under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, is expected to determine whether there is a prima facie case for the removal of the Chief Justice.
While the committee has begun preliminary work, critics say the pace of the process has been slow, raising questions about political interference and institutional inertia.
The Office of the President and the Judicial Service have so far remained tight-lipped on the status of the investigations.
National Petrolium Authority CEO, Lawyer Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe warned that continued delays could fuel speculation and damage the credibility of both the judiciary and the committee itself. “This is not just about one individual, it is about the perception of justice in the eyes of the people,” he added.
Story by Freedom Lavoe.
