Akufo-Addo sets in motion probe to determine if CJ should be removed from office.

President Akufo-Addo has set in motion processes geared at determining 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 $5 million bribe to deliver a favourable judgment in a case involving his client.

Justice Anin-Yeboah has since denied the allegations and asked the Police CID to probe the matter.

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 must act in consultation with the Council of State 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, nor Members of Parliament, nor lawyers to inquire into the petition and make a recommendation.

A letter written to the Executive Director of ASEPA by Secretary to the President Nana Bediatuo Asante indicates that the President has commenced the appropriate processes.

Under the constitutional procedure, the proceedings of the committee shall be held in camera with the Chief Justice offered an opportunity to defend himself or do so through a lawyer or any expert of his choice.

The President reserves the right to suspend the Chief Justice even before the inquiry terminates with the advice of the Council of State.