The Progressive People’s Party has expressed worry over the call by the Ghana Bar Association for President John Mahama to revoke the suspension of the Chief Justice.
In a press statement signed by the Party’s National Chairman, Nana Ofori Owusu, President Mahama breached no rules or the constitution in the suspending of the Chief Justice adding that the act was lawful.
The party is, however, wondering why an Association of learned lawyers would be calling on the President to abandon the procedures stated in the Constitution by extension selectively applying the law or setting aside portions of the Constitution.
“We find it pertinent to express our concern regarding the stance taken by the Ghana Bar Association (GBA). As an association of learned lawyers, we had hoped the GBA would affirm the adherence to due process in this matter. Instead, their call for a “suspension of the CJ’s suspension” is perplexing and could be interpreted as an attempt to suspend due process itself, potentially setting aside portions of our Constitution.” – the statement said
For PPP, “Such calls from the GBA and other entities are not only a threat to our democratic principles but also suggest a selective and subjective application of the law, contingent on the individuals involved.”
“While we respect the democratic right of individuals and groups to defend the Chief Justice and advocate for her reinstatement, we must also underscore the fundamental principle of accountability within a democracy.” – He added
If readers can recall when the President announced that he had forwarded two petitions he received for the removal of the Chief Justice to the Council of State, the now-suspended Chief Justice wrote to the President demanding copies.
Interestingly, however, the CJ copied the President of the Supreme Court, the President of the Magistrates, the Ghana Bar Association, and former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo. The letter was also leaked on social media and mainstream media before reaching the President.
The GBA headed by Effua Ghartey upon the announcement of the suspension of the Chief Justice issued a statement calling for the rule of law to prevail in the matter.
However, less than one week after that statement the Bar said it had passed a resolution at the mid-year conference calling on the President to revoke the suspension of the Chief Justice contrary to the provisional of the Constitution under article 146.
