A former Ambassador to the Netherlands, Dr Tony Aidoo, has stated that President John Mahama has merely fulfilled his duty as Head of State in the matter concerning the Chief Justice (CJ), Gertrude Torkornoo.
On Tuesday, 22nd April, President Mahama suspended the Chief Justice after consulting with the Council following petitions calling for her removal from office.
The President has also established a five-member committee to investigate the petitions during the period of her suspension.
Speaking on the matter on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Wednesday, Dr Aidoo appeared to find nothing inappropriate in the President’s actions.
He said, “President Mahama has performed his duty and exercised his discretionary power in the process in dealing with the petitions against the Chief Justice.”
Many, particularly members of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), have criticised the President for displaying bias in his handling of the case.
They argue that the President should have provided reasons for the exercise of his discretionary powers.
According to Dr Aidoo, President Mahama has done nothing wrong and only performed based on discretionary powers, asking, “Why should the President give his reasons?”.
He explained, “He (the President) has a duty and discretionary power, the duty states that ‘he shall’, the discretionary power says ‘he may’ perform his duty, first followed by his discretionary power.”
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