Former Council of State member, Dr. Nii Kotei Dzani, has emphasized that President John Dramani Mahama has no direct role in the removal of the Chief Justice, as the process is strictly governed by constitutional procedures.
His clarification follows concerns over petitions forwarded by the President to the Council of State, requesting the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo.
Critics, including Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, have cautioned against removing the Chief Justice without solid grounds, warning of the potential long-term consequences for Ghana’s judiciary and governance.
Speaking on Eyewitness News on Wednesday, March 26, Dr. Dzani reiterated that the President’s involvement is limited to transmitting petitions and does not extend to influencing the outcome.
“This is not the first time the Council of State has received a petition regarding the removal of a Chief Justice. Every session, we receive about two or three such petitions. But let me be clear—the President has no technical role in removing the Chief Justice.
“The President only forwards the petition to the Council of State. He does not determine the Chief Justice’s fate,” he stated.
Dr. Dzani also noted that the processing of such petitions depends on whether the Council of State is in session at the time of receipt.
“At the receipt of the petition from the President by the Council of State, it depends on when the petition is received. When the Council of State is in session and the chairman puts it before the council to look at it.
“If the council is not in session, then the chairman will either immediately call for an emergency meeting. Because there is a limited time within which the council can consider the petition.
“The council can then form a special committee to look at it. Once the council looks at it and establishes a case against the Chief Justice, then the Council of State will communicate the same to the President,” he added.
