Professor Sharif Mahmud Khalid, Economic Adviser to the Vice President, has criticised the conduct of suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, describing her actions since her suspension as both provocative and a violation of the 1992 Constitution.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile programme on Saturday, 24th May, Dr Khalid questioned the propriety of her public posture in the wake of the constitutional process initiated against her.

“For me, her posturing as a suspended Chief Justice amounts to a provocation of the Judiciary and an abuse of the 1992 Constitution,” he stated firmly.

Dr Khalid expressed concern that the Chief Justice, given her understanding of constitutional procedures, ought to have known the limits of her actions during such proceedings.

He argued that the constitution clearly outlines the process to be followed in such matters, including the requirement for proceedings to be held in-camera.

“It is explicit in the constitution that the processes should be in-camera, and you know as CJ what that means,” he said, suggesting that her recent request to have the proceedings held in public runs contrary to those constitutional provisions.

Dr Khalid further noted that once a petition reaches the Council of State, the process becomes automatic, with no room for presidential discretion or interference.

“It is explicit that the President has nothing to do with the process when it gets to the Council of State—it must take an automatic process, and she knows it,” he added.