Michael Okyere Baafi, Member of Parliament for New Juaben South, the governement would have sufferd if it had successeded in sacking the leadership of the electoral commission and the special prosecutor.
In his judgment, the Chief Justice noted that there was no prima facie case in the petition submitted to him by President John Dramani Mahama, effectively dismissing the claims.
“Any attempt to remove the EC boss and her deputies would have posed serious challenges for President Mahama and his government in the global arena,” Mr. Baafi said, underscoring the importance of upholding institutional integrity.
Background on the Petition
The petition, submitted by President Mahama, sought the removal of the EC leadership and the Special Prosecutor, citing alleged administrative irregularities and concerns over their performance. The move would have required the Chief Justice, as part of the constitutional process, to examine whether sufficient evidence existed to warrant further action.
Under Ghanaian law, petitions targeting independent officeholders like the EC Chair or the Special Prosecutor must meet a high threshold, including establishing a prima facie case of misconduct or inability to perform duties. The Chief Justice’s ruling confirmed that the petition did not satisfy this requirement, reinforcing the autonomy of these key institutions.
Observers have described the ruling as a reaffirmation of the independence of constitutional bodies in Ghana, ensuring that attempts to remove officeholders are grounded in due process and credible evidence.
Source:
oyerepafmonline.com
