Legal practitioner and political analyst, Amanda Akuokor Clinton, has suggested that Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo may not survive the ongoing impeachment proceedings against her, citing limitations within Ghana’s current constitutional framework.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile programme on Saturday, 24th May, Ms Clinton argued that the structure of the 1992 Constitution makes it difficult for judicial officers to successfully challenge such processes.
“It is true that she might not survive this process under this constitution,” Clinton remarked. “Which is why all the cases that have been filed so far have failed.”
Her comments were in reference to the several legal efforts that have thus far not succeeded in halting the impeachment inquiry.
Justice Torkornoo is currently facing a removal process initiated by a petition, which has resulted in her suspension by President John Dramani Mahama, in line with Article 146 of the Constitution.
She has since filed a Supreme Court application challenging the participation of certain justices in the inquiry, citing concerns of impartiality.
Amanda Clinton, who holds an MSc in African Politics and heads Clinton Consultancy, believes that unless broader constitutional reforms are undertaken, the current legal framework does not favour the Chief Justice’s chances of emerging unscathed from the process.
Myjoyonline
