Audio By Carbonatix
A member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Communications Team, Awal Mohammed, has suggested that there is a strong possibility of reinstating Justice Gertrude Torkonoo as Chief Justice by 2029.
Speaking on Prime Morning’s News Flash segment, he reacted to discussions surrounding Justice Baffoe Bonnie’s expected leadership of the judiciary.
Mr Awal Mohammed stressed that the circumstances under which Justice Torkonoo was removed from office were questionable and should be revisited.
According to him, Justice Torkonoo’s removal over issues related to allowances was unfair, especially when compared to the controversies that led to the removal of former Electoral Commission Chairperson, Charlotte Osei.
“We did not remove Charlotte Osei because of an allowance. She was removed after a series of corruption allegations between her, Amadu Sulley, and Georgina Opoku Amankwaa, which were openly traded on air,” Mohammed explained.
He further claimed that Charlotte Osei had accused the late Amadu Sulley of receiving GH¢5 million from the NDC to facilitate illegal transfers, an allegation that contributed to her removal.
In contrast, he said, Justice Torkonoo’s case centred on allowances she was accused of taking, an issue he described as “too basic” to justify her dismissal.
“How do you compare the two offices? The Chief Justice is the head of the third arm of government. Even under military rule, suspending or removing a Chief Justice has never been taken lightly because of the potential chaos it could cause,” he argued.
Mr Awal Mohammed questioned why Justice Torkonoo was accused of misconduct when, according to him, she had refunded part of the money.
“How strange it is that a country would remove its Chief Justice simply because of an allowance? This is why I believe we will have to reinstate her in 2029,” he stated.
His remarks add to the ongoing debate over judicial independence and accountability in Ghana, as many continue to scrutinise the processes surrounding the appointment and removal of top judicial officers.
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