We Will Impeach The Chief Justice At The Appropriate Time – Sammy Gyamfi Vows
The National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, has announced that Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Torkornoo will face impeachment at an appropriate time. Gyamfi criticized the Chief Justice for allegedly making self-serving decisions in the selection of judges for the Supreme Court.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express, Gyamfi accused the Chief Justice of acting in secrecy and pursuing a personal agenda. “I am telling you that concerning the unconstitutional and irregular requests made by the CJ to the President, she kept it a secret because she knew that what she had done was wrong,” Gyamfi asserted. He further accused her of favoritism, claiming she recommended judges she believes she can control.
In a letter dated May 30, 2024, Chief Justice Torkornoo recommended five judges to President Nana Akufo-Addo for appointment to the Supreme Court: Justice Angelina Mensah Homiah, Justice Eric Kyei Baffour, Justice Edward Amoako Asante, Justice Cyra Pamela C.A. Koranteng, and Justice Afia Asare Botwe.
The NDC has accused the Chief Justice and the President of colluding to protect current government officials from future accountability. They claim that the Judicial Council opposed the elevation of the five judges but was overridden by the Chief Justice and the President. Fifi Kwetey, the NDC’s General Secretary, has called for the decision to be contested, emphasizing the need for transparency and fairness in judicial appointments.
In contrast, Alex Afenyo-Markin, the Majority in Parliament, defended the Chief Justice’s proposal to increase the number of Supreme Court judges to 20, arguing that it is within legal boundaries. He insists that the Chief Justice has not violated any laws.
Despite this defense, Gyamfi maintains that the Chief Justice’s actions warrant her removal. “I am saying that this is a clear ground for resignation, an appropriate ground for her removal from office, and at the appropriate time, the right processes will be activated because the Constitution is clear,” he said.
Gyamfi questioned the basis on which the Chief Justice selected the recommended judges, suggesting that there are other equally competent candidates in the Court of Appeal who were overlooked. He implied that the selection was not based on merit alone.
As for the timing of the impeachment, Gyamfi stated, “We are referring to the time when we will have a president who believes in the Constitution and will work on such petitions. Currently, we have a president who chooses to act on petitions depending on the contents of those petitions. So sometimes he chooses to forward positions. At times he desires not to, we will clearly know with our time sending a petition to such a president, who himself is an accomplice in this matter.”