The Catholic Bishops’ Conference has spoken out on Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo’s suspension and the issue surrounding the ongoing investigation into petitions seeking her removal from office.
The Conference has sent a stern warning to the administration about any steps that could jeopardise the independence of the judiciary. It emphasised that the procedure must adhere to the rule of law and ensure justice at all levels.
Justice Torkornoo was suspended on Tuesday, April 22, pursuant to Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution and after consultation with the Council of State. Her suspension occurred after a prima facie case was made based on three distinct petitions filed against her.
In a strongly worded statement signed by the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, the bishops warned that any removal procedure that is not firmly anchored in due process could undermine public trust in the legal system.
The statement reads:
In this critical light, we examine the current tensions resulting from the Chief Justice’s suspension. While we recognise the importance of due process, we strongly oppose any action, perceived or actual, that may jeopardise the judiciary’s independence or impartiality.
It continued:
The removal of a sitting Chief Justice has enormous national implications. This process must be strictly regulated by constitutional principles, absolute procedural fairness, and a firm understanding of the theory of separation of powers.
Any precedent that appears to put the judiciary at the mercy of the administration risks irreversibly undermining public faith in the very institution on which citizens rely for justice.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference asked all relevant players to behave with the utmost responsibility, ensuring that the sanctity of the rule of law and the dignity of the judiciary are maintained.
In the same statement, the Conference denounced recent acts of violence reported in the Ablekuma North constituency, urging prompt and comprehensive investigations to bring the offenders to justice.
