Former Council of State member, Dr. Nii Kotei Dzani, has clarified that President John Dramani Mahama plays no direct role in the removal of the Chief Justice, emphasizing that the process is strictly guided by constitutional procedures.

His statement comes in response to recent petitions forwarded by the President to the Council of State, seeking the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo.

However, critics, including Manhyia South Member of Parliament (MP) Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, have cautioned against removing the Chief Justice without substantial grounds, warning of the long-term implications such a decision could have on Ghana’s judiciary and governance.

Addressing the issue on Eyewitness News on Wednesday, March 26, Dr. Dzani reiterated that the President’s role in the matter is limited to forwarding petitions, with no influence over the final decision.

“This is not the first time that the council is receiving a petition to look into the removal of the Chief Justice. At every Council of State, we receive about two or three such petitions to remove the Chief Justice. But let me make it clear that the President has no technical role in removing the Chief Justice.

“The President relayed the petition to the Council of State. The President does not influence whether the Chief Justice is removed or not,” he stated.

Dr. Dzani further explained that the processing of such petitions depends on whether the Council of State is in session at the time of receipt.

“At the receipt of the petition from the President by the Council of State, it depends on when the petition is received. When the Council of State is in session and the chairman puts it before the council to look at it.

“If the council is not in session, then the chairman will either immediately call for an emergency meeting. Because there is a limited time within which the council can consider the petition.

“The council can then form a special committee to look at it. Once the council looks at it and establishes a case against the Chief Justice, then the Council of State will communicate the same to the President,” he added.