CJ’s request could render Assafuah’s lawsuit moot – Law Professor
Professor Kwadwo Appiagyei-Atua has clarified that the lawsuit filed by Old Tafo MP, Vincent Assafuah, challenging the procedural legality of President John Dramani Mahama’s actions regarding the potential removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo, could be rendered moot if the President grants the Chief Justice’s request.
This follows Chief Justice Torkonoo’s formal request to President Mahama for copies of the petitions seeking her removal.
The President had earlier forwarded three petitions to the Council of State for advice, in accordance with constitutional procedures.
Speaking in an exclusive interview on Channel One Newsroom on Thursday, March 27, Prof. Appiagyei-Atua explained that Assafuah’s legal challenge contests the President’s decision to refer the petitions to the Council of State without first consulting the Chief Justice.
According to the Associate Professor of Law, the lawsuit may lose relevance if the President provides the Chief Justice with the information and time she has requested.
“The Chief Justice [is] requesting the content of the petition so that she can prepare and be given an opportunity to present her side of the case in line with the rules of natural justice. She is asking for seven days after she has received the document to be able to prepare and submit a response to the Council of State as to whether a prima facie case has been established against her.
“I think if that decision is accorded to her, then it will make moot the two cases that have been filed at the Supreme Court requesting for this particular procedure to be respected,” he stated.
Source: channel1news