CJ’s removal must be decided by Parliament – Mussa Dankwah insists

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Executive Director of Global InfoAnalytics, Mussa Dankwah, is calling for major reforms in the procedures governing the removal of Ghana’s Chief Justice, arguing that such a critical decision must rest with Parliament rather than select committees.

Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Big Issue on Saturday, April 19, 2025, Dankwah expressed concern over what he described as a lack of transparency and public accountability in the current system.

“For me, I believe there must be reforms in the way we appoint the Chief Justice, especially in her removal. I don’t think it should be left to a few committees—what we call quangos in the UK—to take that decision,” he told host Selorm Adonoo.

Dankwah emphasized that Parliament, as the embodiment of Ghana’s democratic will, should have the final say in such matters.

“I think that it would have been better if that decision is referred back to Parliament. Because Parliament is a sovereign body that represents every Ghanaian—whether it is partisan or not, that is how Ghanaians have voted,” he noted.

He argued that involving Parliament would promote greater transparency, ensure fairness, and facilitate open debate on matters of such national importance.

“And I believe if it had gone to Parliament the debate would have been much more open, transparent, argument and counter-argument and think that going forward we should be able to look at something like that and strengthen the way some of these people are removed,” he added.

“If the appointment is approved by Parliament, I think it should be Parliament that should get her removed.”

Dankwah’s remarks come amid growing public interest in the future of Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, following petitions calling for her removal from office.