Chief Justice requests for copies of petitions seeking her removal from Office

Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkonoo has formally written to President Mahama requesting for copies of the petitions which has been submitted for her removal from office.

In a letter addressed to the President and members of the Council of State on March 27, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Torkonoo asked the President to grant her seven days to review the petition upon receiving copies to allow her respond appropriately before a Committee of Inquiry is set up to look into the petitions.

“I am by this letter humbly and respectfully asking His Excellency the President and eminent members of the Council of State to forward the petition against me to me, and allow me at least seven days after receipt of same, to provide my response to you, which response can then form part of the material; that you conduct the consultations anticipated under 146 (6) before the possible setting up of a Committee of Inquiry under article 146(7),” the Chief Justice said in her letter.

The Chief Justice’s response comes two days after President Mahama forwarded three petitions calling for the removal of the Chief Justice to the Council of State for further action.

The Chief Justice in responding to the issue said two days after the action taken by the President, she has not seen or been given copies of the petition which has been sent to the Council of State and expected to form the premise for her removal from office.

She averred that under the principles of natural justice, “no defendant can be subjected to a trial unless the preliminary process of receiving their response has been adhered to.”

According to her, per article 146(1) of the constitution when a Chief Justice receives a petition for removal of a Supreme Court Judge, the Chief Justice by requirement has to bring the petition to the attention of the accused Judge and obtain response of the Judge to the petition.

“This is the right afforded every citizen in justice delivery, and it is provided for in article 146 procedures. In my time as a Chief Justice, I have handled five such petitions for removal of superior court judges, and heard from them before determining whether a prima facie case has been made against them to merit the setting up of the investigative committee provided for under article 146(4),” Chief Justice Torknoo insisted.

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