Citizen Seeks Injunction to Block Chief Justice’s Removal
Ebenezer Osei-Owusu challenges President Mahama’s authority in Supreme Court
- Ebenezer Osei-Owusu asks the Supreme Court to stop the Chief Justice’s removal process
- He argues the president must establish a prima facie case before forwarding petitions
- Justice Torkornoo requests copies of petitions and a seven-day window to respond
A Ghanaian citizen, Ebenezer Osei-Owusu, has filed an injunction at the Supreme Court to halt President John Dramani Mahama and the Council of State from proceeding with the constitutional process for the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Sackey Torkornoo.
This legal challenge comes after the presidency confirmed receiving three petitions calling for the Chief Justice’s removal, which President Mahama subsequently forwarded to the Council of State for advice and potential action.
In his writ, Osei-Owusu contends that the president lacks the constitutional authority to transmit such petitions without first establishing a prima facie case and providing the Chief Justice with copies of the petitions. He cites the 2006 Supreme Court case Agyei Twum v. Attorney General & Akwatey, arguing that due process requires the Chief Justice to be informed and given the opportunity to respond before any determination is made.
Meanwhile, Chief Justice Torkornoo has officially written to President Mahama, requesting copies of the petitions against her. She has also sought a seven-day period to respond before any further steps are taken under Articles 146(6) and 146(7) of the Constitution.
