Supreme Court Rejects Call for Justice Gaewu’s Recusal in Vacant Seats Case
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo emphasized that the case is centered on constitutional matters, rather than political party affiliations
- The court deemed Speaker Bagbin’s legal team’s request for Justice Gaewu’s recusal as "misconceived."
- Chief Justice Torkonoo clarified that the case revolves around constitutional issues
- The court will advance discussions on the legality of the Speaker's decisions
The Supreme Court has swiftly dismissed a motion from Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin’s legal team seeking Justice Yao Gaewu’s recusal from the panel reviewing the case concerning four vacant parliamentary seats. The court deemed the objection “misconceived.”
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo, who is leading the bench, emphasized that the case is centered on constitutional matters, rather than political party affiliations, rejecting claims that Justice Gaewu’s ties to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) could affect his neutrality.
After hearing from Speaker Bagbin’s counsel, Thaddeus Sory, on October 30, the Chief Justice temporarily adjourned to deliberate before ultimately rejecting the recusal request, confirming that Justice Gaewu would remain on the panel.
The court also addressed an objection from Bagbin’s team to strike out certain paragraphs of the Speaker’s affidavit, labeling them “scandalous” and irrelevant, with a promise to consider this in the final ruling.
Additionally, Joe Ghartey, representing NPP Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, was prevented from making a preliminary statement after violating protocol by allowing junior counsel to lead the defense.
The hearing will proceed as the court continues to examine the legality of the Speaker’s decisions regarding the disputed parliamentary seats.
