CJ Removal Debate: Lawyer Twum Barimah Weighs In

Lawyer Alexander Twum Barimah, Deputy Director-General of Enforcement, Control, and Elimination at the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), has spoken out on the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. According to Twum Barimah, the office of the Chief Justice is not a lifetime or hereditary position, and President John Mahama acted within the bounds of the constitution when he relieved the Chief Justice of her duties.

Speaking on The Digest on Kessben TV, Twum Barimah emphasized that the constitution provides for the removal of a Chief Justice when necessary. “The fact that one is appointed Chief Justice does not mean they remain in office until death. The constitution provides for removal when necessary, and that must be respected,” he said. This provision is outlined in Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, which stipulates that a Chief Justice may be asked to step down if circumstances warrant it.

Twum Barimah stressed that judicial offices are accountable and subject to constitutional oversight, reinforcing the principle that no one is above the law. He also argued that the decision to remove the Chief Justice was not politically motivated, noting that no political party had requested her removal.

The removal of Chief Justice Torkornoo has sparked intense public debate, with some questioning the procedure and implications of the decision. Twum Barimah’s comments highlight the balance between judicial independence and constitutional enforcement in Ghana. Other stakeholders have expressed varying opinions on the matter, with some describing the process as a lawful constitutional exercise and others calling for constitutional reforms to safeguard the independence of the judiciary.