The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has expressed confidence in the ongoing Akwatia by-election, stating that the exercise is proceeding smoothly and will serve as a benchmark for future elections in Ghana.

Speaking during a visit to the constituency to assess security operations, the IGP praised the conduct of both security personnel and voters, describing the atmosphere as peaceful and orderly.

“Everything is going on smoothly as planned, and that is what we expect to do — to make sure that at the end of the day, we have a very smooth and peaceful election,” IGP Yohuno told our source

He commended the performance of the police on the ground, revealing that top-ranking officers, including all regional commanders and members of the Police Management Board (POMAB), are actively deployed and working alongside field personnel.

“I am very satisfied with the performance of my men on the ground. This election is such that we have all regional commanders, all POMAB members taking part on the ground. They are all on the field and working with the personnel. Everything is going on very well,” he stated.

Yohuno assured the public that the Ghana Police Service remains committed to maintaining law and order throughout the electoral process, vowing to avoid any repeat of past election-related violence.

SOURCE: CITINEWSROOM

Private legal practitioner, Daniel Anin Amarteye, has described the president’s recent activation of Article 146 to remove Ghana’s Chief Justice as constitutionally sound, but a potential threat to judicial independence.

Speaking on Bullet TV, Amarteye urged the Constitutional Review Committee to strip the presidency of such powers, citing the need to insulate the judiciary from political manipulation.

“Strictly speaking, the president acted within the confines of the law. He only activated a constitutional process triggered by a recommendation. Legally, he’s done nothing wrong,” Amarteye said. “But the problem lies in the system that gives him such authority in the first place. That’s where the danger is.”

A Constitutional Lacuna with Dangerous Precedents

Amarteye emphasized a “lacuna” in Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, warning that it creates a constitutional gap that could be exploited by future presidents for political gain.

“Tomorrow, if I become president or you become president, and we are not satisfied—whether real or imagined—by the Chief Justice’s conduct, we can trigger their removal. That is very fatal for our democracy,” he cautioned.

He argued that although Ghana’s judiciary remains technically independent, its operational framework still allows for excessive political influence, particularly when it comes to the appointment and removal of top judicial officers.

Amarteye proposed a radical rethinking of the process, suggesting that any petition to remove a Chief Justice should be vetted and initiated by a Judicial Committee made up of retired, respected justices and representatives from the Ghana Bar Association—not the executive.

“We need a new arrangement where political actors are removed entirely from the removal process. The Judicial Council or a new Judicial Committee should handle prima facie determinations, not the President or even the Council of State, which has become too political under the current structure,” he said.

According to him, such a reform would protect the judiciary’s integrity and ensure continuity in democratic governance.

Ghana|Atinkaoline.com|Ebenezer Madugu

As acting Chief Justice, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie offers continuity and experience. His legal career spans decades across Ghana’s lower courts up to the Supreme Court. His measured demeanor and respect within judicial circles position him as a practical steward during this turbulent period. But should he become the permanent Chief Justice? His interim role provides stability, but it may not deliver the broader reform and renewal that the judiciary currently needs.

A Moment for Reform: Potential Contenders and Institutional Change

This transition provides an opportunity to reset and reinvigorate the judiciary, particularly in the face of concerns that the removal may reflect executive overreach and could strain judicial independence. Critics, including members of the opposition and legal bodies, have voiced worry about the precedent set by this dismissal and the opacity of the process

Looking ahead, attention now naturally turns to those sitting just below Baffoe-Bonnie in seniority. Justices Samuel Adibu-Asiedu and Gabriel Pwamang, both members of the inquiry committee, emerge as potential candidates. Additionally, the seven new Supreme Court justices sworn in July, including Avril Lovelace-Johnson, Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu, and others appointed by President Mahama bring fresh perspectives and potential momentum for reform.

Importantly, though, the process of selecting the next Chief Justice must transcend personalities. Ghana’s judiciary will only gain public trust if the selection reflects principles of transparency, merit, and independence. Reforms, such as introducing a Judicial Council that vets chief justices before presidential nomination, could strengthen the court’s institutional autonomy, especially in light of how politically fraught the current episode has been.

Editorial Reflection: A Needed Path Forward

Ghana now faces a defining moment. The new Chief Justice must do more than preside; they must help re-anchor the judiciary as a bulwark of fairness, competence, and independence. Whether it’s Justice Baffoe-Bonnie providing thoughtful continuity, a capable senior justice stepping forward, or a newer justice representing transformative change, the process and perception matter greatly.

To safeguard the legitimacy of the judiciary, a transparent, consultative process involving the legal fraternity, civil society, and Parliament must underpin the appointment. Only then can Ghana emerge stronger, with renewed judicial credibility and public confidence after this constitutional storm.