President Akufo-Addo has set in motion, processes to determine whether or not Chief Justice, Kwasi Anin-Yeboah should be removed from office.
This follows a petition by pressure group Alliance for Social Equity and Public Accountability, ASEPA, demanding the removal of the Chief Justice.
The Chief Justice, CJ has been in the news in recent weeks following allegations by a private legal practitioner, Akwasi Afrifa that he had asked for a five million dollars bribe to deliver a favorable judgment in a case involving his client. ASEPA contends the CJ is unfit to hold office and wants him removed.
Under Article 146(6) of Ghana’s Constitution, the President upon receipt of such a petition in consultation with the Council of State is expected to appoint a committee consisting of two Justices of the Supreme Court and three other persons who are not members of the Council of State, Members of Parliament or lawyers to inquire into the petition and make recommendations.
A letter written to the Executive Director of ASEPA by Secretary to the President Nana Bediatuo Asante announced the commencement process.
Under Constitutional procedure, proceedings of the committee is held in camera and the Chief Justice is given the opportunity to defend himself or through a lawyer or any expert of his choice.
However, the President reserves the right to suspend the Chief Justice even before the inquiry terminates with the advice of the Council of State.
Meanwhile, Justice Anin-Yeboah has denied the allegations and asked that the Police CID probe the matter.
