Ansah-Asare (R) has urged suspended Chief Justice Torkornoo (L) to apologise to the nation

Former Director of the Ghana School of Law, Kwaku Ansah-Asare, has stated that suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo’s public address regarding her removal process violates the constitution.

He explained that, under the constitution, all the concerns she raised during the press conference should have been presented in court for judicial scrutiny and determination.

The veteran legal practitioner described Torkornoo’s actions as disappointing, suggesting they were driven by frustration and do not reflect well on the integrity of the legal system.

"The Constitution says you should not do so. So, it was unexpected. She alleged six violations, but her public address is itself a fundamental violation, especially coming from the Chief Justice, who oversees the entire civil and criminal justice system. It was disrespectful,” he said.

Ansah-Asare emphasised that as Chief Justice, she should have known that all questions and responses in a legal process are to be directed to the court.

"When you go to court, all answers and questions are directed to the judge. Litigants and witnesses are reminded that they are before the court and must conduct themselves with civility, decency, and decorum,” he explained.

He further criticised Torkornoo for showing disrespect to President John Dramani Mahama, who initiated the process by setting up the investigative committee.

"The president set up the committee. Any attack or onslaught is essentially directed at the president. She ought to have known that what she did was disrespectful to the first gentleman of the land. That's why I believe she should eat humble pie and apologise to the entire nation," Ansah-Asare added.

His comments follow Chief Justice Torkornoo’s first public response since the petition for her removal was filed. In her address, she raised concerns about alleged constitutional breaches and procedural lapses in the ongoing Article 146 impeachment process.

SB/MA

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