Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has renewed calls for urgent constitutional reforms to safeguard judicial independence in Ghana, following the recent removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo.

Speaking on Channel One TV on Monday, September 1, Mr. Kpebu strongly criticised the powers granted to the President under Article 144 of the 1992 Constitution, which allows the executive to appoint the Chief Justice.

End Presidential Control Over Chief Justice Appointments

“To safeguard judicial independence, we have long advocated for change. Since last year, when her letter to Akufo-Addo became public, we have been pressing this matter,” Kpebu said.

He emphasised that Article 144 should be amended to remove presidential involvement in the appointment of Chief Justices. According to him, the current arrangement undermines the impartiality of the judiciary and exposes it to political influence.

“In the Constitution, we do not want the President to be the one to appoint Chief Justices under Article 144. We want that provision removed,” he stressed.

Call for Transparent System of Judicial Accountability

Beyond reforms to the appointment process, Kpebu also highlighted the need for a clearer framework for addressing judicial misconduct.

“One of the things we must do is categorise misconduct — to distinguish between serious offences and minor ones,” he explained.

He warned that without such categorisation, even minor infractions could attract the same severe consequences as grave misconduct, potentially leading to disproportionate punishments, including removal from office.

Growing Debate on Judicial Independence

The removal of Chief Justice Torkornoo has reignited debate about judicial independence, constitutional reform, and separation of powers in Ghana. Critics argue that excessive executive control over the judiciary threatens democracy and undermines public trust in the justice system.