The Managing Editor of the Insight Newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr., has called for rigorous vetting of the newly appointed Chief Justice to avert any errors yet to be committed.
According to him, the country finds itself in a time where confidence in institutions such as the Judiciary System and the Electoral Commission has reduced drastically.
Taking his bite on the topic on Ghana’s favorite socio-political show, Good Morning Ghana on Metro TV on Wednesday, 26th April 2023, Mr. Pratt stated that the sharp fall witnessed in the trust for these institutions will take the efforts and full participation of the Ghanaian populace to restore it.
Mr. Pratt indicated that not fast-tracking the appointment process will help to uncover the necessary information and inform the judgements of people.
“I am only hoping that the processes of vetting will be rigorous and that the public participates in that process. We will get to know so many things, it would inform our judgement as to whether this choice is really the best for this time.”
Also, the Member of Parliament for the Efijura Kwabre North Constituency, Collins Adomako Mensah who was on the punditry said the vacuum created ought to be filled immediately.
“I’m just hoping that the Council of States will quickly do their part of the job and refer the matter to as quickly as possible to parliament for vetting to take place. We don’t want any vacuum as the President puts it. So, as quickly as possible, so that we can have that done.”
In a sharp rebuttal, Mr. Pratt argued that Members of Parliament must be interested in the credibility of the institution and not be fixated on filling the void too soon.
He added that being overly assertive on the appointment of the Chief Justice without having a credibility check will be disastrous for a desiring democracy growing country as this.
“Appointing a Chief Justice who brings credibility to the institution,: Mr. Pratt said “Right now, you have a situation where the credibility of the Electoral Commission is in complete tatters. And you have another situation where the Supreme Court suffers a huge credibility gap. That will be a very serious problem for the practice of democracy for our country.”
However, Mr. Pratt noted that although it seems all forces are coming at her in terms of her experience and expertise which may not be the ultimate, he wishes that she heightens the position she hopes to occupy and bring confidence back into the institution.
President Akufo-Addo has nominated Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo as the next Chief Justice of Ghana.
The President in a letter to the Council of State on Tuesday, April 25, said her nomination is to avoid any vacuum that would occur following the retirement of the current Chief Justice Kwasi Anin Yeboah on May 24.
“Chief Justice Kwasi Anin Yeboah is due to retire from the bench on May 24, 2023, his seventieth birthday. In order to avoid a vacuum and ensure that a new Chief Justice is immediately in office after his retirement.
“I have decided to begin the process of appointment now. Article 144 (1) of the constitution, which governs the appointment of a Chief Justice, requires that I, first consult with the Council of State before seeking the approval of Parliament.
“Consequently, I am nominating Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo, a member of the Supreme Court, as the new Chief Justice. I hereby enclose a copy of her curriculum vitae for your attention,” excerpts of the letter said.
Justice Mrs Torkornoo per this nomination, will be vetted by Parliament and approve her nomination or otherwise.
She will become the third female Chief Justice in the history of Ghana after Justices Georgina Theodora Wood and Sophia Akuffo.
By Leonora Enyonam Annoh | Metrotvonline.com | Ghana
