The Movement for Change has affirmed that President Mahama's action on the suspension of the Chief Justice adheres to the procedural framework outlined in Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.

According to the political group, the opportunity afforded to the Chief Justice to respond to allegations demonstrates compliance with due process.

“The 1992 Constitution is the bedrock of our democracy, and we acknowledge that the president's action, taken on the advice of the Council of State and following a prima facie determination, adheres to the procedural framework outlined in Article 146. The opportunity afforded the Chief Justice to respond to the allegations further demonstrates compliance with due process,” the statement said.

In a press release dated April 29, 2025, the movement called on the five-member committee established to investigate the petition to be fair to both sides, ensuring that the outcome of their work deepens Ghana's democracy.

“The Movement for Change believes that no one is above the law, not the President, not the Speaker of Parliament, nor the Chief Justice. Accountability is the cornerstone of our democracy, and it must apply equally to all, regardless of status or office. However, this accountability must be pursued in a manner that unites rather than divides, that clarifies rather than obscures, and that inspires confidence rather than skepticism The movement at this stage would want to call on the committee members to be fair to both sides so that the outcome of their work will further shape and deepen the democracy of this country,” it added.

The MFC also advised political parties, particularly the NPP and NDC, to refrain from politicising the matter and to allow the laws of the land to take their course.

Regarding the Ghana Bar Association's (GBA) call for President John Dramani Mahama to suspend the suspension, the Movement for Change expressed disappointment, noting that as an association that believes in the rule of law, their positions should be grounded in law.

“The movement believes that as an Association that believes in the rule of law, their calls must be based on law. The movement would have agreed with them if their call was grounded in law quoting relevant provisions of the constitution to buttress their case. The Ghana Bar Association must not be the reason the laws of the country are not respected. While we respect their right to advocate for the Chief Justice, such a stance risks conflating the defense of an individual with the defense of due process itself,” the statement indicated.

The movement seized the opportunity to recommend that the Constitutional Review Committee considers enhancing transparency in the process of removing state officials from office.

While acknowledging that the current constitution does not guarantee full transparency in such matters, the movement believes this is an important area for reform to strengthen Ghana's democratic institutions.

“As a movement that believes in transparency, we would have wished for a more transparent process for every Ghanaian to be carried along in these times. This transparency is not however guaranteed by the 1992 constitution, and it is on this basis that we call on the Constitutional Review Committee to consider seriously as part of its work how the process of removing State Officials from office would be made more transparent,” it stressed.

The Movement for Change further called for the establishment of a Second Chamber in Ghana's governance structure, composed of respected statesmen and women, to replace the Council of State.

According to them, this new chamber should be responsible for recruiting and removing heads of key institutions, such as the Chief Justice, Speaker of Parliament, Electoral Commissioner, Inspector General of Police, and Chief of Army Staff.

The proposal aims to reduce the perceived partisan politics associated with these processes, promoting a more neutral and impartial approach.

The Movement for Change also said it believes that this reform would help to strengthen Ghana's democratic institutions and ensure that key appointments and removals are made in the best interests of the country, rather than being driven by partisan considerations.

“The Movement for Change also call on the Constitutional Review Committee to consider our policy proposal of Ghana establishing a Second Chamber which will have as its membership Statemen and Women to replace the Council of State whose responsibilities will include recruiting Heads of Arms of government such as the Chief Justice, Speaker of Parliament, Electoral Commissioner, Inspector General of Police, Chief of Army Staff etc and also endowed with the same responsibility of removing such officials from office to take away the over partisan politics usually perceived to be associated with removal from office of such personalities,” it added.

It also made a call for calm and restraint as an inquiry proceeds, while also demanding that those in authority act with humility and transparency.

“Leaders are reminded that the privileges and powers of high office come with an obligation to serve the people, not to shield oneself from scrutiny,” the statement said.

MRA/AE

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