News
CJ removal: democracy at risk – Kamal-Deen
Deputy National Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Alhaji Kamal-Deen Abdula, has warned that the removal of Ghana’s Chief Justice without a clear procedure is a dangerous precedent that could harm the country’s democracy.
Speaking at Channel one TV, he described the development as “a blot on our democracy,” stressing that Parliament should not be making laws to clarify procedures only after such a sensitive decision has already been taken.
“Can you imagine this? We are now, after doing that, going to Parliament to say, let us now have the Constitution tweaked so that we can have procedure in clarity. So you think it was weaponized in its current state to remove the CJ and now it’s been cured? Can you imagine this?” he asked.
Alhaji Kamal-Deen argued that the current provisions under Article 146 of the Constitution, which give the President the power to appoint and remove the Chief Justice, must be reviewed.
He proposed that those powers be transferred to the General Legal Council instead, pointing to Nigeria as an example of a country with a better system.
“We have run a constitution for over 30 years without making strong amendments. It is important that when these issues arise, we look at those provisions carefully and cure them going forward,” he said.
He noted that while anyone who feels aggrieved by the process has the right to seek a judicial review, it is up to the courts to decide whether the case is valid under the law.
Alhaji Kamal-Deen further expressed confidence that legal experts and constitutional reform advocates could help design a system that ensures fairness and protects the independence of the judiciary.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Director of the Public Health Division of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), has urged Ghanaians to remain vigilant and observe good hygiene during the flooding and rainy season to prevent a cholera outbreak.
According to him, although flooding in some parts of the country has subsided, the risk of cholera remains because the conditions that promote the spread of the disease still exist.
“The risk of cholera still exists,” Dr. Asiedu-Bekoe said, explaining that cholera is closely linked to unsafe drinking water and poor sanitation.
Speaking on 3 FM on Thursday, he cautioned the public against becoming complacent a few days or weeks after the floods, stressing that people should continue to be careful about the food they eat and the water they drink.
“I want to urge Ghanaians to be careful what we eat and drink. Let’s not assume that because the flood came last week, we can lower our guard,” he said.
Dr. Asiedu-Bekoe noted that countries with access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation have largely eliminated cholera, adding that Ghana still has challenges in those areas.
He therefore advised the public to maintain high standards of personal hygiene, especially by washing their hands regularly with soap and clean water.
According to him, handwashing remains the most effective and affordable way to reduce the spread of cholera and other infectious diseases.
“The most cost-effective intervention is handwashing with soap and water,” he said.
According to him “That does not depend on whether there are floods or not. Make sure you wash your hands regularly with soap and water.”
He called on Ghanaians to maintain clean surroundings and practise proper sanitation to reduce the risk of disease outbreaks during the rainy season.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Supreme Court has dismissed all four suits challenging the removal of Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Torkonoo from office as Chief Justice.
The court delivered its rulings earlier this morning, ending the legal challenge at the domestic level.
This follows last week’s judgement by the ECOWAS Court, which also rejected applications seeking to overturn Justice Torkonoo’s removal.
Each of the four cases filed at the Supreme Court argued against the processes that led to Justice Torkonoo’s exit. The court, however, found no legal basis to grant relief and dismissed each application in its entirety.
In a brief statement by the Deputy Attorney-General Jusrice Srem-Sai after the rulings, he expressed appreciation to the legal team.
“Gratitude to our team of State Attorneys and members of staff,” he posted on Facebook, acknowledging their role in defending the state’s position through both ECOWAS and Supreme Court proceedings.
Background
Justice Gertrude Torkonoo was removed from office as Chief Justice following proceedings initiated earlier this year.
The move triggered multiple legal challenges, including four separate suits at the Supreme Court and petitions before the ECOWAS Court of Justice.
Both courts have now ruled against the challengers.
Last week, the ECOWAS Court dismissed the regional applications, and this morning’s Supreme Court decision closes the matter in Ghana.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
