President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has turned down a petition filed by Professor Stephen Kwaku Asare seeking the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo. The petition alleged misconduct and incompetence on the part of the Chief Justice.
In an official statement released by the Presidency on January 6, President Akufo-Addo announced that, after consultations with the Council of State, it was determined that the petition lacked sufficient grounds to merit further consideration. The statement highlighted that the petition did not contain adequate evidence or documentation to support the accusations made against the Chief Justice.
“The Office of the President wishes to inform the general public that, after a thorough and careful review of the petition for the removal of the Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, in consultation with the Council of State, has concluded that the petition does not disclose a prima facie case warranting further action,” the statement read.
Furthermore, the Office of the President warned against efforts to compromise judicial independence through what it described as “baseless allegations.” It underscored the necessity of following constitutional processes when addressing any grievances.
