The process to remove Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo cannot be influenced by the President, according to Joseph Osei-Owusu, former First Deputy Speaker of Parliament.
Speaking on Channel One’s Newsroom on Thursday, April 17, Osei-Owusu emphasized the need to protect judicial independence and ensure that any moves to remove the Chief Justice are based on credible and substantial evidence.
“My position is that the process cannot be influenced by the president,” Osei-Owusu stated.
He expressed surprise and disappointment at the grounds cited in three petitions circulating on social media, which he has reviewed.
“If that is truly the content, the basis for which the petitioners are asking that the CJ be removed, I will be very surprised, disappointed and truly embarrassed if any committee will come to a conclusion that based on such petition, the CJ of Ghana will be removed,” he said.
Osei-Owusu noted that social media can be a source of misinformation, but questioned the credibility of the petitions if their content is accurate. “Social media is also a source of misinformation, I have read something. If that is truly the content…,” he said.
He added that the NPP’s concerns about the process are valid, saying, “That is where the NPP’s concerns come into play.” Osei-Owusu’s comments come amid growing public debate over the petitions and their implications for the judiciary’s integrity and independence.