The Deputy Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Asokwa, Patricia Appiagyei, popularly known as Mama Pat, has raised concerns over the involvement of “politicking” in the affairs of the Judiciary, the third arm of government.
She noted that the Judiciary is the last institution of government that needs to be safeguarded, from being used as a medium for politicking.
Speaking to Silver FM, a Kumasi based radio station about the suspension of the Chief Justice, after the “Save the Judiciary Demo”, Mama Pat said though the President claims to have used due process in the CJ’s expulsion, he should sit back, analyse and investigate the letters received, to ascertain its credibility as well as establishing a “prima facie” before taking a decision.
She frowned on the fact that the President endorsed the petitions outright, an indication that he already had the intention to dismiss the CJ thus giving credence to speculations of the President wanting to amend the constitution to facilitate his eligibility for a third-term in office.
According to Mama Pat, the development puts the Constitution, Judiciary and democracy at risk, noting that if such is to happen, that will be a “dangerous precedent” set by the President.
She noted that the decision by President Mahama to add seven more Justices to the Supreme Court (SC) as against former President Akufo-Addo’s attempt to add two new Justices was tantamount to “double-standards”.
The Deputy Minority Leader also appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to stop “antagonising” former government officials by invading the residence of the said individuals, without due process.
Touching on issue of the denigration of women in Ghana Politics under President Mahama, the Lawmaker explained that though the President chose a woman as his Vice, in the person of Prof. Jane Opoku-Agyemang, he (President) has turned a blind eye to the Affirmative Action Act (AAA), which requires that females should make 30 percent of all appointments, stressing that the quota is not met, and needs to be addressed.
Buttressing her claim, Hon. Appiagyei argued that the President was keen on the dismissal of all female public office holders, one being the CJ and also the Chairperson of Electoral Commission, who happens to be a woman, is rumoured to be next to be dismissed from office.
As a result, Patricia Appiagyei appealed to the President, to communicate the whereabouts and wellbeing of the Vice President who proceeded on a sick leave, six weeks ago, during which period Ghanaians are yet to be updated on her health status and progress.
From Oswald Pius Freiku, Kumasi
