President John Dramani Mahama has ordered the removal of a judge of the High Court for being incompetent.
His Lordship Justice Ringo Cass Akurugu Azumah was fired by the President following what was described as stated ‘misbehaviour’ and also for being ‘incompetent’.
“President John Dramani Mahama has directed the removal of His Lordship Justice Ringo Casss Akurugu Azumah from office as a Justice of the High Court on grounds of stated misbehaviour and incompetence,” a release signed by Judicial Secretary, Alex Poku-Acheampong stated.
The statement continued that the President acted upon the recommendations of a five-member committee that investigated a petition against the Judge in accordance with Article 146 of the 1992 constitution.
This committee, the statement said was chaired by a Justice of the Supreme Court.
“Several complaints of absenteeism were filed against the Judge by users of the court and a leading legal firm…” and this included a formal petition which was submitted to the Honourable Lady Chief Justice on January 8, 2015, for same reasons.
“On receiving the complaints, Justice R.C Azumah was asked to appear before a Disciplinary Committee of the Judicial Council for Superior Court Judges. The Committee found his conduct to be in breach of his Judicial Oath and office, in continuously failing to sit without permission or stated reason.
“The Committee further found that the Judge’s general conduct amounted to gross dereliction of duty, stated misbehaviour and incompetence.
“On receipt of the report of the Disciplinary Committee, the Judicial Council decided that Justice Azumah should be impeached. The Council, therefore, submitted a petition to His Excellency the President to that effect.
“H.E the President, in line with article 146 (3) requested the Chief Justice to set up a Committee to investigate the matter pursuant to Article 146 (4) of the Constitution.
“The Committee’s recommendations have been accepted by the President in accordance with Article 146 (9) of the Constitution thus his removal from office as a Justice of the High Court.
“In view of the above, Justice Azumah is to hand over his bungalow and all official properties in his possession including the official Government vehicle, Dockets and Record Books to the Judicial Secretary forthwith.”
Source: adomonline
