Former Director of the Ghana School of Law, Kwaku Ansa-Asare, has weighed in on the ongoing constitutional debate regarding the possible suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
He asserts that the President is constitutionally required to suspend the Chief Justice once a prima facie case is established and a disciplinary committee is set up under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.
His comments follow reports that the Chief Justice has formally responded to petitions calling for her removal. Sources indicate that she submitted her written response to both the President and the Council of State before the April 7, 2025, deadline.
Speaking on Eyewitness News on Monday, April 7, Ansa-Asare explained the constitutional process that should be followed in such matters, citing Article 146(7).
“Article 146(7) provides that the committee appointed under clause 6 shall investigate the petition and recommend to the President whether the Chief Justice should be removed. From my understanding, once the President, in consultation with the Council of State, determines that a prima facie case exists, the committee is formed.
“And once the committee is constituted, the President is then obligated to suspend the Chief Justice. I believe that is a fair and reasonable step,” he said.
Ansa-Asare emphasized that allowing the Chief Justice to remain in office during the investigation could compromise the credibility of the process.
