The Council of State’s advice to suspend Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo has come under fire from former Deputy Attorney-General Alfred Tuah-Yeboah.
Mr. Tuah-Yeboah described the advice as “acidic” and “poisonous,” warning that it could have serious consequences for Ghana’s democracy and the independence of the judiciary.
Speaking on Citi FM, Mr. Tuah-Yeboah cautioned that advising the President to suspend the Chief Justice requires careful consideration.
“If you advise the President to suspend the Chief Justice, you must be very careful. This has serious consequences for the country’s democracy,” he said.
While the Council of State can offer advice, Mr. Tuah-Yeboah emphasized that the final decision rests with the President. “The final decision rests with the President,” he added.
The suspension of the Chief Justice follows three petitions submitted by citizens, prompting the President to form a five-member committee to investigate the allegations. The committee comprises two Supreme Court justices, a former Auditor-General, a military officer, and a university professor.
Private legal practitioner Austin Brako-Powers has also criticized the suspension, calling it a “needless spectacle” aimed at appeasing the ruling party’s supporters.
He warned that such actions could erode public trust in the judiciary and undermine Ghana’s democratic future.