Former Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Nii Ayikoi Otoo, has called for a review of the President’s role in appointing a committee to investigate petitions for the removal of the Chief Justice.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, March 29, he stressed the need for greater clarity on the process, especially as Ghana undergoes a constitutional review.
According to him, the current arrangement gives the President significant discretion in determining the composition of the committee, which could affect the fairness of such proceedings.
“When a prima facie case is established, a five-member committee is set up to conduct the investigation. That issue must be clarified,” he stated.
“If not properly addressed, as seen in the Adjei Tsum case, the President can decide who should be on the committee, and that raises concerns.”
Under the constitution, when a petition is filed for the removal of the Chief Justice, the President, in consultation with the Council of State, appoints a committee.
This committee consists of two Supreme Court justices, one of whom is designated chairman by the President, along with three other individuals who are not members of Parliament, the Council of State, or legal professionals.
Mr Otoo argued that this process needs to be reviewed to ensure it is transparent and free from executive influence.
He urged legal experts and stakeholders to use the ongoing constitutional review to address this concern.
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