Former Deputy Attorney General Alfred Tuah-Yeboah has expressed deep surprise and disappointment over President John Mahama’s decision to suspend Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, describing the move as both unexpected and troubling for the integrity of the judiciary.
The suspension, announced on April 22, comes after the President, in consultation with the Council of State, determined that a prima facie case had been established in multiple petitions filed against the Chief Justice.
A five-member committee has since been constituted to investigate the allegations.
While the procedure aligns with constitutional provisions, Mr Tuah-Yeboah believes the decision was premature and risks undermining public confidence in the judicial system.
Tuah-Yeboah urged caution and greater transparency moving forward, warning that actions involving the head of the judiciary should be handled with the utmost care to preserve institutional credibility.
“I am surprised by the suspension of the Chief Justice, even though the Constitution allows for such a step to be taken,” he said.
“What surprises me even more is that the President is not bound by the advice of the Council of State. He has the discretion to accept or reject it. Moreover, it was indicated that the Chief Justice could remain in office while the matter was being reviewed by the panel,” he added.
Mr Tuah-Yeboah raised concerns about the long-term impact of the decision on the judiciary’s independence.
“I say the advice of the Council of State has been poisonous. We must be very careful in how we treat the head of any arm of government. In Ghana, we have three branches: the Executive, the Judiciary, and the Legislature. The Council of State should ensure that actions taken do not undermine the balance of these arms,” he warned.