The Movement for Change (MFC) has issued a strong statement in response to the recent suspension of the Chief Justice of Ghana, affirming its support for the constitutional processes that have been initiated while urging calm and national unity.
In a press release, the MFC emphasized the importance of due process and constitutional fidelity, calling for restraint and non-partisanship in dealing with the sensitive matter.
“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”.
Movement for Change
As a movement rooted in the will of the people, the MFC asserted the President’s action, taken on the advice of the Council of State and following a prima facie determination, adheres to the procedural framework.
The MFC stressed that allowing the Chief Justice the opportunity to respond to allegations was an essential aspect of ensuring due process and fairness, and further urged the investigative committee to be objective to “deepen the democracy of this country.”
Caution
The movement for change also cautioned all political parties, especially the opposition NPP and the ruling NDC and their members to refrain from politicising the matter and allow the laws of the land to work.
However, the movement raised concerns over the reactions of some political actors and professional bodies, notably the Ghana Bar Association (GBA).
In recent times, the GBA has called on the President to reverse the suspension of the Chief Justice — a call that has drawn mixed reactions from the public.
Describing the GBA’s stance as “shocking,” the MFC accused the legal body of abandoning its principles by failing to cite specific legal provisions to support its opposition to the suspension.
“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.”
Movement for Change
The MFC reiterated its firm belief in the principle that no one—not even the President, the Speaker of Parliament, or the Chief Justice—is above the law.
According to them, accountability is the cornerstone of Ghana’s democracy, and it must apply equally to all, regardless of status or office.
Despite acknowledging the constitutionally compliant process, the MFC expressed its desire for greater transparency, lamenting that the current constitutional provisions do not allow for broader public participation in such high-stakes proceedings.
The group called on the Constitutional Review Committee to examine this gap and recommend reforms to improve openness in the removal process for high-ranking state officials.
In addition to transparency, the MFC renewed its policy advocacy for major institutional reforms, including the creation of a Second Chamber of Parliament to replace the current Council of State.
The proposed chamber, the movement said, would be composed of experienced statesmen and women, and would be tasked with appointing and removing heads of the three arms of government and other top security officials.
According to the MFC, such a change would reduce partisan influence in the management of critical state appointments and disciplinary actions.
“To the people of Ghana, we say this: your voice matters. We urge calm and restraint as we allow the inquiry to proceed, but we also demand that those in authority act with the humility and transparency that leadership in a democracy requires.”
Movement for Change
The statement signed by Solomon Owusu on behalf of the Movement for Change ended with a reaffirmation of the MFC’s commitment to constitutionalism, equity, and democratic governance.
“Let us rise above partisan divides and work together to strengthen our democracy, ensuring that the judiciary remains a beacon of hope and justice for all,” it concluded.
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