Don’t talk about Chief Justice’s removal — Kpebu to Efua Ghartey

Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has taken a swipe at the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) and its President, Efua Ghartey, over the association’s criticism of the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo.

The GBA has called on the government to review the suspension of the Chief Justice, who is under investigation following three petitions seeking her removal from office.

The association argued that the decision set a bad precedent for the country.

Speaking at the 43rd Martyrs’ Day Remembrance on Monday, June 30, the GBA President said the association owed it a duty to defend the 1992 Constitution, which guarantees the independence of the Judiciary.

“We are confident that in the spirit of reconciliation, all the various calls made for a reconsideration of the suspension of the Chief Justice, as it sets a poor precedent, will not go unheeded. We yearn for peace and strive for justice,” she said.

However, reacting to this on Accra-based TV3’s New Day show on Saturday, July 5, Lawyer Kpebu argued that Mrs. Ghartey, whom he described as a known NPP supporter, has no moral right to comment on the matter.

“Mrs. Ghartey should not be the person to give such a speech because it’s very difficult for citizens to separate her from the NPP. She’s not the right messenger for this kind of message.

“Let somebody who is not tied to the NPP go and say this. But once you are NPP, your husband is NPP. The moment you give such speeches, all discerning citizens see is that you are trying to paint the government black for political ends. Let it be clear, I think this should be the last time you give a speech on this matter,” he said.

Meanwhile, the suspended Chief Justice has claimed that her rights are being abused in the matter and described all the allegations in the petitions against her as false or based on ignorance of her legal duties.