Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo finds herself embroiled in a contentious debate over judicial appointments, with calls for her resignation echoing through the corridors of Ghana’s legal system. As the National Communications Officer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, raises serious concerns about what he perceives as “self-seeking” interests in selecting judges for the apex court.

The Controversy Unveiled

At the heart of the controversy lies the Chief Justice’s recent proposal to appoint five new justices to the Supreme Court. While procedural flaws have been acknowledged, the deeper issue revolves around the intent and motivations behind her actions. Gyamfi argues that the Chief Justice’s agenda goes beyond mere procedural lapses.

The Allegations and Their Implications

1. Conflict of Interest: Gyamfi contends that the Chief Justice’s recommendations are not solely aimed at enhancing the court’s efficiency. Instead, she appears to favour specific individuals—friends, allies, or acquaintances within the judiciary—for these prestigious positions. This alleged bias raises serious concerns about conflict of interest and undermines the integrity of the appointment process.

2. Unconstitutional Proposals: The Chief Justice’s involvement in proposing specific justices to the President exceeds her role. According to Gyamfi, her actions are unconstitutional and threaten the delicate balance of power within the judicial system.

3. Transparency and Fairness: The NDC emphasizes the need for transparency and fairness in judicial appointments. Fifi Kwetey, the party’s General Secretary, questions the legitimacy of the five new justices’ nomination and calls for a thorough review. The party’s apprehensions about potential bias underscore the importance of maintaining public trust in the judiciary.

The Judicial Council’s Role

The Judicial Council, responsible for advising the President on nominations, reportedly resisted elevating these judges to the Supreme Court. However, their objections were allegedly overridden by the Chief Justice and the President, leading to further scrutiny.

Legal Perspectives

In defence of the Chief Justice, Majority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, insists that the recommendation to increase the number of Supreme Court judges to 20 is legally sound. He emphasizes that the Chief Justice has not violated any laws with her proposal.

Conclusion

As the nation grapples with this controversy, it remains to be seen whether Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo will heed the calls for her resignation. The delicate balance between judicial independence, transparency, and accountability hangs in the balance, and Ghanaians watch closely to see how this unfolds.