Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has rejected requests for President John Dramani Mahama to pause the ongoing proceedings concerning the assessment of a prima facie case regarding petitions aimed at the removal of the Chief Justice.
His remarks came in response to yet another postponement by the Supreme Court in a case that seeks to prevent the President and the Council of State from advancing with the process.
This adjournment occurred due to the absence of one of the five Justices overseeing the case, His Lordship Samuel Asiedu. Presiding Judge Her Ladyship Henrietta Mensah Bonsu explained that the Court faced “problems and for unavoidable reasons have to adjourn.”
The injunction application, submitted by attorney and plaintiff Godfred Yeboah Dame, seeks to stop the President from proceeding with the petition review until the Supreme Court delivers its ruling on the issue.
In comments to the media following the adjournment, Dr. Ayine contended that the President is constitutionally obligated to continue with the process, irrespective of the pending court application.
“He has submitted a request to the court, and the court has yet to issue an order. So, is he suggesting that the court should pause? Is he implying that the court has already issued an order preventing the President from continuing the process?” Dr. Ayine questioned.
He further stressed that there is no legal justification to hinder the President from fulfilling his constitutional responsibilities.
“He must recognize that it is his constitutional duty, and the law is explicit that one cannot obstruct the performance or conduct of public communication,” he added.
