Physician and political activist Dr. Arthur Kennedy has criticised the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) over its opposition to the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo by President John Dramani Mahama.
Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem, Dr. Kennedy questioned the legal foundation of the GBA’s argument, describing its stance as unclear and potentially misleading.
“For the GBA to say the suspension is unconstitutional, I don’t know where they are standing. I am not a lawyer, but from what I understand, the Constitution gives the president the power to suspend the Chief Justice,” he said.
Dr. Kennedy also took issue with the GBA’s demand for the publication of the prima facie case against the Chief Justice, warning that such a move could undermine the legal process.
“They are saying the prima facie case should be published. We should be very careful. The Constitution says matters involving the Chief Justice should be handled in camera, meaning behind closed doors,” he explained.
He argued that some details in such cases could potentially tarnish the reputation of the Chief Justice—even if she is later cleared of any wrongdoing.
“There’s a reason why the Constitution in its wisdom says these things should be done in private. Some details, if made public, may defame her even if she is not guilty,” he said.
Dr. Kennedy expressed concern that some individuals and even sections of the media are trying to make the issue public, which he said violates the intended confidential nature of the process.
“For people, including the media, to make this public is wrong. That is not what the Constitution envisaged. There is no basis for making parts of it public,” he stated.
He added, “Even though I’m curious and would read it if it is published, it still doesn’t make it right. The Constitution doesn’t say we should do that.”
The Ghana Bar Association, at its recent mid-year conference, passed a resolution describing President Mahama’s suspension of Chief Justice Torkornoo as unconstitutional.
The GBA also warned of possible legal action if the directive is not reversed.
Meanwhile, Accra is bracing for political upheaval today as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and a coalition of allied political forces take to the streets in a fiery protest against what they call a “politically engineered assault” on Ghana’s judiciary.
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