President John Dramani Mahama has told the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) that his government harbours no hostility toward the judiciary or the legal profession.
John Mahama called on the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) to actively scrutinize and critique government policies.
He made this comment during a visit by the leader of the Ghana Bar Association, Efua Ghartey.
John Mahama speaking stated, “Government is open to working with you, particularly on our side of the political divide. There’s this perception that we have a problem with the legal fraternity and things like that”.
“We’re not people who have any such animosity towards the judiciary and the legal fraternity. So our doors are open”, Mahama added.
He further added, “You have been a strong advocate for the rule of law, respect for human rights, the constitution, and freedoms. I believe that the role you play is important for our society to progress.”
“So, as I have told civil societies, they must have the freedom to point out when things are not going in the way they should. Just like we say in our local parlance, ‘if a person is charting a path, he may not know that it is crooked.’”
“It is only onlookers who can be able to point it out to him. So, we will appreciate whatever feedback you give, and I believe that is how government should be,” Mahama stated.
Meanwhile, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Minister for Government Communications has revealed that President John Dramani Mahama has taken a step in addressing three petitions submitted by individuals to boot out the Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkonoo.
According to the presidency statement, President Mahama has forwarded the petitions to the Council of State to begin the mandated consultation process.
In January before leaving office the former President Akufo-Addo dismissed a petition seeking the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo.
According to reports, Akufo-Addo through consultations with the Council of State indicated that Prof. Stephen Kwaku Asare’s petition lacked merit and did not disclose a prima facie case warranting further investigation.
