President Mahama acted lawfully in suspending Chief Justice Torkornoo — Shamima Muslim
A Deputy Presidential Spokesperson, Shamima Muslim says President John Mahama acted within the law in suspending Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo in relation to the proceedings of the three petitions asking that she should be removed from office for misconduct and stated misbehaviour.
Reacting to a fresh suit filed by Justice Gertrude Torkornoo challenging the process and the president's action, Ms Shamima Muslim who was speaking in a television interview with TV3 on Thursday morning [May 22] said President Mahama was simply awaiting the outcome of the committee's work.
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Ms Muslim in the TV3 interview said President Mahama’s actions were based on Article 146(10) of the Constitution, which permits the suspension of a Chief Justice upon the advice of the Council of State while investigations are being conducted.
She questioned the basis of the Chief Justice’s legal challenge, especially her request for a public hearing, despite constitutional provisions requiring such proceedings to be held in camera.
“The Constitution says the proceedings shall be in camera. ‘Shall’ is not a suggestion; it is obligatory,” she said. “This isn’t just about her personal interest. It concerns the protection of the judiciary, the petitioners, and even her own standing.”
She noted that while the court process may introduce delays, it does not override what the Constitution prescribes.
“We have seen before that suits like this can delay matters, but they do not stop the process altogether,” Ms Muslim observed.
On the issue of fairness, she maintained that justice must be applied consistently, regardless of one’s position in society.
