Kwaku Ansah-Asare, a former Director of the Ghana School of Law, has criticised President Nana Akufo-Addo’s appointment of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, stating that it has damaged Ghana’s judicial system.
In an interview with adomonline.com, Ansah-Asare argued that Torkornoo was not the most suitable candidate for the position, as there were more senior judges who should have been considered at that time.
“When Gertrude Torkornoo was made Chief Justice, I questioned it because it wasn’t time for her to be in that position. Mahama should be allowed to go ahead with what he is doing because it is in the constitution.
“The Akufo-Addo government prioritised appointing family and friends to key positions, leading to the current challenges facing the judicial system,” he indicated.
He emphasised the need for future appointments to be based on merit, with the most senior and experienced judges being considered for the role of Chief Justice.
This criticism comes amid ongoing debates about the independence and accountability of Ghana’s judiciary.
Kwaku Ansah-Asare’s comments also echo concerns raised by other legal experts and Civil Society Organizations who have called for greater transparency and merit-based appointments in the judicial system.
It’s worth noting that Chief Justice Torkornoo has faced criticisms from other quarters, with some petitioning for her removal over allegations of misbehaviour and incompetence.
However, the process for removing a Chief Justice is governed by Article 146 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, which requires a formal petition to the president and a subsequent investigation by a committee.
Source: Ghanaweb
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