The President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), Mrs. Efua Ghartey, has refuted allegations that the association has been biased in its advocacy efforts recently.
During the opening of the 2025 annual GBA conference in Wa, Mrs. Ghartey defended the association’s stance on the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. She acknowledged that Article 146 permits the removal of a Chief Justice but raised concerns about the specific procedures implemented.
Her comments were a response to statements made by the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic A. Ayine, who noted that although the Bar has played a crucial role in aiding the Supreme Court in the interpretation and enforcement of the constitution, “outside the courtroom, the advocacy of the Bar has lacked consistency.”
Mrs. Ghartey contended that the absence of definitive and comprehensive regulations governing the application of Article 146 exposes the process to arbitrariness and undermines fairness.
“The absence of legislation for the removal of the fourth-highest official in the nation should raise concerns for everyone. These regulations should have been made known to all parties involved prior to the initiation of the process, as they significantly impact the standards that must be met.
It sets an unfortunate precedent that is devoid of fairness, a situation that necessitates correction if we truly consider ourselves guardians of justice,” she stated.
She further emphasized that the GBA’s constitution obligates its members to uphold judicial independence, a responsibility the association has consistently maintained.
“Historically, the Bar has diligently fulfilled this obligation,” she asserted.
