The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has hinted at a potential impeachment of the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo, following her recommendation of five judges for appointment to the Supreme Court.
Speaking to journalists, Sammy Gyamfi, the National Communications Officer of the NDC, condemned the Chief Justice’s actions as “self-seeking” and unconstitutional.
He criticized her for allegedly overstepping her bounds by recommending specific judges to President Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, rather than merely requesting additional justices.
Sammy Gyamfi accused the Chief Justice of bias, suggesting that her nominations favored individuals she could collaborate with closely at the Supreme Court. He emphasized the NDC’s discontent with what they perceive as a lack of transparency and fairness in the judicial appointments process.
“We believe this move undermines judicial independence and seeks to shield the government from accountability post-tenure,” Gyamfi asserted during an interview on JoyNews.
The Chief Justice’s nominations, including Justices Angelina Mensah Homiah, Eric Kyei Baffour, Edward Amoako Asante, Cyra Pamela C.A. Koranteng, and Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, were submitted in a letter dated May 30, 2024. This sparked immediate backlash from the NDC, which claimed the Judicial Council had initially opposed the elevation of these judges but was allegedly overruled.
In response to criticisms, the Majority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, defended the Chief Justice, asserting that her actions were lawful and within her mandate.
However, Sammy Gyamfi remained adamant, stating that the NDC would pursue legal avenues, including potential impeachment proceedings against the Chief Justice.
“We consider this a clear grounds for resignation or removal from office. At the appropriate time, we will activate the necessary constitutional processes,” Sammy Gyamfi declared.
He expressed concerns over the perceived lack of consultation and the potential exclusion of equally competent judges from consideration, raising doubts about the Chief Justice’s decision-making process.
“We know there are other equally competent justices who could serve on the Supreme Court. By what criteria were these particular names put forward?” Gyamfi questioned.
When pressed on the timeline for impeachment proceedings, Gyamfi indicated it would be pursued under a future administration that respects constitutional norms and transparency.
“At present, we have a president who selectively acts on petitions. Our course of action will depend on having a president who upholds constitutional values,” Gyamfi concluded.