Martin Kpebu calls for reform of presidential powers in appointing Chief Justice

Private legal practitioner, Martin Kpebu has criticised the authority vested in the President under Article 144 of the 1992 Constitution, which empowers the executive to appoint the Chief Justice, following the recent removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo.

Speaking in an interview, Mr. Kpebu noted that concerns about the process have been raised for years, especially after a letter from former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo to then-President Akufo-Addo became public last year.

“To safeguard judicial independence, we have long advocated for change. Since last year, when her letter to Akufo-Addo became public, we have been pressing this matter

“In the Constitution, we do not want the President to be the one to appoint Chief Justices under Article 144. We want that provision removed.” He said.

Martin Kpebu also streesed the need for clear rules on judicial misconduct, stressing that a proper categorisation of offences is necessary.

“One of the things we must do is categorise misconduct to distinguish between serious offences and minor ones,” he explained.

“Without such categorisation, there is the danger that trivial issues may be treated with the same severity as grave breaches, leading to disproportionate consequences such as removal from office.” He stated.

Source: Elvisanokyenews.net