Chief Justice “Humbly” Requests Copies of Removal Petitions

The Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, has written to President John Dramani Mahama and the Council of State to furnish her with copies of the three petitions demanding her removal.

Citing natural justice and the fundamental rights of citizens under Articles 19, 23, and 296 of the 1992 Constitution, she said she was entitled to a hearing before a committee was set up to investigate the allegations.

She argued that no consideration that affects the rights of a defendant can be made unless the defendant has been given notice of the contents of a charge, and an opportunity to respond to them.

“I am by this letter humbly and respectfully asking His Excellency the President and eminent members of the Council of State to forward the petitions against me to me, and allow me at least seven days after receipt of same, to provide my response to you, which response can then form part of the material that you conduct the consultations anticipated under 146 (6), before the possible setting up of a Committee of Inquiry under article 146 (7),” a part of her letter read.

According to her, the evidence in the petitions and her response will therefore provide the material for consultation between the President and members of the Council of State under article 146 (6).

The outcome of the consultation, the CJ said, would guide whether a prima facie case has been established, such that a Committee of Inquiry should be set up under article 146 (7) to inquire into whether she may be removed from office.

Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini