Why was CJ removal hearing date announced by presidency and not committee? — Nana Akomea quizzes

A leading member of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Akomea, is questioning the independence of the committee probing petitions against Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo after the Presidency announced the start of its hearings.

A statement from the Presidency, dated May 14 and signed by the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, announced that the committee would commence its sittings on Thursday, May 15.

The statement indicated that the committee would sit three times a week and present its recommendations to the President upon completion of its work.

“The five-member committee chaired by Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang of the Supreme Court was set up by the President in accordance with Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution and in consultation with the Council of State, following a determination of a prima facie case against the Chief Justice,” it read.

However, the NPP stalwart asserted that the committee should have made the announcement on its own.

“This committee is supposed to do independent work. Why are its proceedings being announced by the presidency?” he posted on social media on Thursday, May 15.

“Is there any good reason why the committee itself cannot make this announcement or put up this notice?” he further asked.

President Mahama suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo on April 22 after a prima facie case was established against her in response to three separate petitions.

Other members of the committee include Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu of the Supreme Court, former Auditor-General Daniel Yaw Domelevo, Major Flora Bazaanura Dalugo of the Ghana Armed Forces, and Professor James Sefah Dzisah of the University of Ghana.