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Constitution’s impeachment provisions for Chief Justice are ‘inadequate’, says Sophia Akuffo
Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo has called into question the adequacy of constitutional provisions for the impeachment of the Chief Justice.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Tuesday, January 7, she offered a nuanced critique of the process while responding to recent calls by legal scholar Professor Kweku Asare for the removal of the Chief Justice.
She emphasized the importance of due process and highlighted gaps in the current framework, noting that impeachment is a serious and complex procedure that must be anchored in robust constitutional guidelines.
“Impeachment Is Not Simple Removal”
When asked about Professor Asare’s demand for the Chief Justice’s removal in the waning days of President Akufo-Addo’s tenure, Madam Akuffo was direct.
“What has she done? Has she committed any offence of misconduct? Well, that needs to be proven. You don’t just get up and impeach,” she stated.
Clarifying the distinction between “removal” and “impeachment,” Sophia Akuffo noted that the latter involves a detailed constitutional process.
“Let’s not even use the word ‘removal,’ because before you reach removal, you’re going to go through an impeachment process, which must follow the dictates of the Constitution,” she explained.
“Constitutional Provisions Are Inadequate”
Akuffo expressed concern that Ghana’s Constitution falls short of providing a robust framework for impeaching a Chief Justice or other high-ranking officials.
“Personally, I don’t think the provisions of the Constitution are adequate for the purpose of impeachment of anybody,” she remarked.
She elaborated on the procedural shortcomings, pointing out that the current arrangement places significant power in the hands of the President and the Council of State.
“In the current arrangement, you petition the President, and in the case of the Chief Justice, the matter is referred to the Council of State, which has to go through certain processes,” she said.
The Role of Due Process
Akuffo underscored the importance of adhering to due process in impeachment cases.
“It’s not just a question of, ‘I want to remove this person,’ and then he goes to the Council of State, and then the Council of State comes back and says, ‘Yeah, we agree with you. Go ahead and do it.’ There has to be due process,” she emphasized.
According to Akuffo, due process involves more than simply filing a petition.
“The petition must set out some reason. That’s part of what due process is all about,” she explained, adding that even in lower courts, there are structured processes that must be followed.
Calls for Constitutional Reform
While Akuffo admitted she had not followed the specifics of Professor Asare’s call, she expressed scepticism about whether sufficient justification had been provided.
“I’m yet to know what the justifications are that the petitioner has even for asking the removal of the Chief Justice. It’s not that easy, even under the Constitution as it is now,” she stated.
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Invest in the welfare of children – UNICEF
The Country Representative for United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Ghana, Mr. Osama Makkawi Khogali, has urged the government and other stakeholders to invest more in the welfare of children.
He explained that Africa was home to a growing number of children, and by the year 2050, four out of every 10 children in the world will live in Africa.
This, he said, was a major reason why more investments are needed in children’s education, health, nutrition, safety, digital access, and job training.
Mr Khogali said this in a statement copied to The Spectator in Accra on Monday June 16 to commemorate the Day of the African Child.
Every year on June 16, the Day of the African Child is celebrated to remember the brave children of the 1976 Soweto Uprising in South Africa. These children stood up against unfair education and fought for their rights. Today, the day reminds everyone to stand up for the rights and welfare of African children.
Mr. Khogali said, “we must act now so that children would not only survive but grow and succeed. Africa’s future is global, and it begins with the children of today.”
The Country Representative for UNICEF said, in Ghana, children make up about 45 per cent of the country’s population, indicating that the future of Ghana depends heavily on how well children were supported and protected today.
He therefore called on governments, communities, families, and individuals to work together and make sure every child has access to good education, health care, safety, and opportunities.
“Helping children now is the smartest way to build a strong and successful country,” he added.
UNICEF is the world’s leading children’s organisation. It works in over 190 countries to protect children’s rights and ensure that every child has the chance to live, grow, and reach their full potential.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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First Lady, Lordina Mahama address 7th Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit in Dubai
The First Lady of the Republic of Ghana on Wednesday, June 18, addressed the prestigious 7th Edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Summit in Dubai.
The programme held at Hilton Hotel was attended by First Ladies from about 15 African and Asian countries.
The First Lady shared insights on strengthening healthcare systems, empowering women, and celebrating the impactful partnership between Ghana and the Merck Foundation over the past 13 years.
Mrs Mahama also underscored the critical role of First Ladies as Ambassadors for the “More Than a Mother” campaign, working to break the stigma around infertility and promote gender equality.
At the Committee Meeting held on Thursday, June 19, Mrs.Lordina Mahama through her presentation showed video documentary of her varied projects aimed at impacting lives.
The documentary showcased her extensive works in Education, health and other sectors of the country.
This received applauds and commendation from her colleague First Ladies and leadership of Merck Foundation.
Expressing gratitude to the Merck Foundation, she reiterated her and the Lordina Foundation’s commitment to strengthening collaboration for enhanced initiatives in health, education, and combating social stigma across Ghana.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme, Dubai
