AG dismisses calls to suspend Chief Justice removal process

Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has dismissed calls for President John Dramani Mahama to suspend ongoing proceedings related to the determination of a prima facie case on petitions seeking the removal of the Chief Justice.

His comments followed yet another adjournment by the Supreme Court in a case seeking to halt the President and the Council of State from moving forward with the process.

The adjournment was due to the absence of one of the five Justices presiding over the case, His Lordship Samuel Asiedu. Explaining the situation, Presiding Judge Her Ladyship Henrietta Mensah Bonsu said the Court had encountered “problems and for unavoidable reasons have to adjourn.”

The injunction application—filed by lawyer and plaintiff Godfred Yeboah Dame—aims to prevent the President from continuing with the petition review until the Supreme Court rules on the matter.

Speaking to the media after the adjournment, Dr. Ayine argued that the President is constitutionally bound to proceed with the process, regardless of the pending court application.

“He has applied to the court, and the court is yet to make an order. So, if he is saying that the court must hold on? Is he saying that the court has already granted an order in respect of which the president must not continue the process?” Dr. Ayine questioned.

He further emphasised that no legal basis exists to stop the President from performing his constitutional duties.

“He must understand that it is the constitutional duty, and the law is very clear that you cannot enjoin the performance or conduct of a public communication,” he added.