The National Communications Officer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), is calling for the head of the Chief Justice over what he describes as \u201cself-seeking\u201d interest in the selection of some judges to the apex court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sammy Adu Gyamfi says although he is willing to overlook Gertrude Araba Torkornoo\u2019s procedural flaws in the whole saga, her action does not serve the interest of the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat she has done is totally wrong, it was totally uncalled for, it is unconstitutional and I think she must eat humble pie, concede this fact, and make amends. But beyond the procedural flaws for me is the whole agenda and intention behind the action,\u201d he said on JoyNew\u2019s PM Express.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He added, \u201cIf the CJ was only making a proposal or a request to the president to increase the number of justices of the Supreme Court to ensure the speedy determination of matters pending before the court, then, the issue of procedural lapses could have sufficed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBut here is the CJ going beyond a request to the president for him to increase the number of justices of the Supreme Court which in itself is wrong. She actually goes beyond that to propose specific justices of her choosing that say things the President appoints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat, for me, borders on her intents and agenda she has. It shows that this CJ is not interested in having more justices on the Supreme Court, but actually has her own preference of friends, allies, or people in the judiciary that she thinks should be appointed to the Supreme Court. That is problematic because that brings up these issues of conflict of interest.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mr. Adu Gyamfi is worried that as the Chairperson of the Judicial Council, which advises the President on nominations or appointments \u201cshe should not be the same person telling the President who to appoint based on her own self-serving criteria.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat should tell you clearly, that the main motivation for the CJ is not what we are being told or for the speedy determination of matters before the Supreme Court but to have the preferences of this Chief Justice appointed onto the Supreme Court. And that is why, for me, I think this is reason enough for this chief justice to resign.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a letter dated May 30, 2024, addressed to President Nana Akufo-Addo, the CJ recommended the appointment of five justices to the Supreme Court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The judges recommended include Justice Angelina Mensah Homiah; Justice Eric Kyei Baffour, Justice Edward Amoako Asante, Justice Cyra Pamela C.A. Koranteng, and Justice Afia Asare Botwe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n