CJ suspension not unconstitutional, no court order blocks it – Srem-Sai

Deputy Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, defended the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo. He stated that no constitutional rule prevents the president from acting while a case is pending in the Supreme Court.

His comments came after criticism from former MP Samuel Atta Akyea. Atta Akyea called the suspension unconstitutional and possibly contemptuous of the Supreme Court. He referenced an interlocutory injunction application by MP Vincent Ekow Assafuah, which is still pending.

On April 23, 2025, Dr. Srem-Sai spoke on the Citi Breakfast Show. He explained that public officials must balance competing interests. They cannot stop all decisions just because a legal challenge exists.

He emphasized that unless a court orders otherwise, public officers can proceed with their duties. "When people make such assertions," he said, "they forget about balancing interests as an official."

Dr. Srem-Sai noted that if the president waits for every court decision, it could harm those seeking justice through constitutional processes. He argued that public duty should continue until a court issues a clear order to stop it.

In this case, he pointed out there is no court order halting the suspension of the Chief Justice.