GBA President Calls for Clear Guidelines on Removal of Judges

The President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), Mrs. Efua Ghartey, has advocated for the establishment of clear guidelines governing the removal of judges.

She emphasised that such procedures are necessary to ensure that members of the judiciary are treated fairly and justly in all deliberations.

Mrs Ghartey amplified calls suggesting that judge involved in such situations are given the right to choose whether proceedings should be held in public rather than in-camera, as currently stipulated by law, and setting clear timelines for how long such hearings should last.

Speaking at the GBA’s mid-year conference in Accra on Saturday, Mrs. Ghartey noted that the development of these guidelines would also ensure the timely and fair resolution of petitions, offering embattled judges a measure of justice and equity.

“The Bar must take the lead and make proposals in this regard,” she advised and called on the legal community to be proactive in reforming the current system.

Her remarks come in the wake of ongoing controversy surrounding the three petitions for the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo – a situation she described as unprecedented in Ghana’s legal history.

Mrs. Ghartey encouraged Bar members to remain vigilant and continue monitoring the developments closely.

However, she cautioned that such monitoring should be done discreetly to allow members the freedom to express their opinions without undue pressure, particularly in matters that have drawn significant public interest and require legal clarification.

Mrs. Ghartey further noted that one of the central issues arising from the Chief Justice’s case is the criteria for establishing a prima facie case.

She questioned the reasons for determining a prima facie case and what standards should be applied to conclude that one exists.

She also raised concerns about the transparency of the process following the filing of a petition: “At what point does the public become aware of the contents of the petition? What if the petitions are frivolous, yet steps have already been taken that could impugn the reputation of the person against who the petitions have been filed?”

The conference, held under the theme: “Expanding the Role of the Legal Profession in National Development: Positioning the Ghana Bar Association as the Fulcrum”, offered the Association an opportunity to reflect on pressing issues affecting its members and the broader legal system.

Topics included the protection of judicial independence and addressing barriers that hinder the Association from fulfilling its mission to serve society.

In line with national development goals, the legal profession in Ghana currently boasts 8,263 lawyers, with an expected addition of 123 new lawyers soon, aiming to serve the country’s population of 34.4 million.

She added that members of the association are playing administration roles and interpreting the law in all three branches of government.

The post GBA President Calls for Clear Guidelines on Removal of Judges appeared first on The Ghanaian Chronicle.

Read Full Story