Former Attorney-General Martin Amidu has advised President John Mahama against accepting any resignation from Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo while the constitutional process for her possible removal remains active, arguing that such a move would undermine the credibility of the ongoing inquiry.
In a recent opinion piece, Amidu pushed back against unsubstantiated claims from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and other critics suggesting that the impeachment petitions against the Chief Justice were politically motivated. He warned that accepting Torkornoo’s resignation at this stage could validate those suspicions, casting doubt on the impartiality of the process.
“There are unproven claims circulating that the series of petitions for the removal of the justice in question have been orchestrated by the President and the NDC to eliminate a perceived adversary,” Amidu wrote. “Accepting a resignation under such circumstances would only fuel these suspicions.”
Protecting Constitutional Integrity
Amidu stressed that allowing the inquiry to run its full course is essential for maintaining the integrity of Ghana’s constitutional framework, regardless of the outcome.
“It is more honourable for the respondent to resign after being cleared by the Committee than for the President to create the impression that the petitions were merely a political maneuver to remove a sitting Chief Justice without merit,” he argued.
He also highlighted the long-term risks of prematurely ending the investigation, drawing on his previous metaphor about the dangers of leaving a “wounded snake” to strike again if not properly addressed.
Avoiding Historical Pitfalls
Amidu referenced past cases where officials under investigation resigned before the conclusion of the process, noting that such actions often leave unresolved questions and can undermine public trust in democratic institutions.
“History may not repeat itself, but it certainly rhymes,” he concluded, urging Mahama to resist any pressure to accept a resignation until the Committee completes its work and submits its findings.
Amidu’s comments come as the impeachment process against Chief Justice Torkornoo continues to unfold, with both legal and political implications hanging in the balance.
