Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has submitted her preliminary response to President John Mahama following petitions seeking her removal from office.
This development comes as the 10-day window granted to her to respond to the petitions elapses today, Monday, April 7.
The petitions were received by the President earlier last month and have triggered national attention, prompting legal and constitutional debates on the appropriate procedure for handling such matters.
Justice Torkornoo, in a letter addressed to the President last week, had requested copies of the petitions and asked for at least seven days to respond, in line with the requirements of due process and fairness.
Her response, now formally submitted to the President and the Council of State, is expected to be considered as part of the consultation process with the Council of State under Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution.
The submission marks a significant milestone in the unfolding constitutional process that could determine whether a committee will be established to investigate the allegations against the Chief Justice.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is set to hear a suit on April 9, filed by Old Tafo MP Vincent Ekow Assafuah, challenging the legality of the President initiating the removal process without first notifying the Chief Justice.
The law that surrounds the removal of the Chief Justice is enshrined in Article 146 of the constitution.
Credit:CNR