The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Efutu Constituency in the Central Region has questioned the Judiciary whether the country has an acting Chief Justice.

Alex Afenyo Markin said his constituents are concerned more especially because of the seeming absence of the substantive Chief Justice, Theodora Georgina Wood.

The MP suspects the substantive Chief Justice has been asked to step aside. 

In a letter addressed to the Judicial Secretary, Alex Opoku Acheampong, the outspoken MP wants confirmation if the Justice Theodora Wood has been made to step.

If she has, he is asking the judicial secretary to confirm who has been made to take over.

Afenyo Markin drew inspiration from the Supreme Court’s ruling over a case brought by Samuel Atta Mensah and Professor Stephen who sought certain reliefs with respect to the taking of oaths by Speaker of Parliament in the absence of the President and his Vice.

The apex court directed the Speaker to take the oath anytime he has to act.

“We contend that on the basis of the reasoning of the Supreme Court on that matter, there is the need for whoever is acting as the Chief justice for the time being to take an oath of office,” he argued.

He explained, “The reasoning behind the judgement was to the effect that once you are performing a function other than the main function you perform as a person holding a particular public office, you need to take an oath of office before you assume that duty.”

Mr Markin said an immediate response to his letter will help to feed the curiosity of “my concerned constituents and the general public as well as put to rest rumours on the subject under reference.”

 

Please read below the full letter from the MP:

Status of the Office of the Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana

I have received several letters from constituents who are curious to know the status of the incumbent chief justice of our dear country.

Specifically, the following questions have been asked for specific answers.

1.Whether or not Her Ladyship the Chief Justice is on leave prior to her retirement; And if so when is she due for retirement.

2. Whether if her retirement date occurs anytime soon there is a possibility that Her Ladyship will avail herself of Article 145 (4) of the 1992 Constitution.

3. Whether there is an acting Chief justice and if so whether he/she has taken any Oath of Office as Chief Justice of the Republic.

4. How many of the Supreme Court Judges including her ladyship the Chief Justice are due for retirement either this year or 2017.

Your expeditious response to the above shall be appreciated since same shall satisfy the curiosity of my concerned constituents and the general public as well as put to rest rumours on the subject under reference.