Constitutional lawyer Kwame Adofo has expressed deep concern over the increasing politicization of Ghana’s judiciary, particularly in the context of the ongoing petition seeking the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
In an interview on Prime News on ABC News GH, Adofo highlighted the potential dangers of allowing political forces to influence judicial processes, warning that it could set a harmful precedent for future governments.
“Being indefinite does not mean forever. It simply means without a date. They will definitely sit down for hearing as soon as possible,” Adofo said, responding to the Supreme Court’s decision to adjourn the case challenging the removal of the Chief Justice.
Adofo voiced his concerns about the increasing political involvement in the judiciary, stating, “We are politicizing everything including our Supreme Court, and that’s concerning.”
He explained that such political interference has made it difficult to predict when cases of national importance would be heard, further undermining the independence of the judiciary.
Adofo warned that if the government, led by President John Mahama, moves forward with the removal of the Chief Justice without proper legal procedures, it would create a dangerous precedent.
“If the president goes ahead, he is going to be setting a dangerous precedent, in that the next government is also going to come with his/her own government,” Adofo cautioned. He stressed that this could have grave consequences for the country, adding, “The president should not move in that direction because the country is or will be in jeopardy.”
The petition, brought forward by Vincent Ekow Assafuah, MP for Old Tafo, challenges the constitutionality of President Mahama’s decision to consult the Council of State for the removal of the Chief Justice without hearing from her.
Assafuah, represented by former Attorney General Godfred Dame, claims that the omission violates the Chief Justice’s right to a fair hearing, as stipulated under Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution.
The adjournment of the hearing follows the absence of representatives from the Attorney General’s office, impacting the progress of the case. Assafuah’s legal team has urged President Mahama to suspend consultations with the Council of State until the Supreme Court addresses the interlocutory injunction application, citing concerns over fairness and due process.
As the political debate over the Chief Justice’s potential removal continues to unfold, Lawyer Adofo’s warnings underscore the growing tension between legal procedures and political influence in Ghana’s judicial system.
