Do the GBA need to go to law school to understand what the constitution says – Deputy AG fires

The Deputy Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Justice Srem Sai, criticized the Ghana Bar Association (GBA). This followed their claim that President Mahama's suspension of the Chief Justice was unconstitutional.

Justice Srem Sai stated that the GBA does not need law school to understand the Constitution. He pointed out that court decisions confirm the process against the Chief Justice should be private. This includes the petition and all related conversations.

Speaking on TV3, he said, “If lawyers decide to make private matters public, what does that tell you? It suggests they are trying to subvert the constitution.” He questioned whether they understood that privacy is mandated by the Constitution.

His comments came after a GBA statement on April 26. The GBA called for an immediate revocation of the Chief Justice's suspension. They argued it was unconstitutional because it lacked a published legal basis.

The GBA also urged President Mahama to release details about the prima facie case against Chief Justice Torkornoo.

In response, Edudzi Tamakloe, Director of Legal Affairs for the National Democratic Congress, defended the President’s actions. He claimed that the President acted within legal boundaries and did not err.

Tamakloe explained that a prima facie determination comes from validating the petition. He emphasized that nothing in the Constitution prevents the Council of State from fulfilling its duties once referred by the President. Any attempt to halt this process would undermine constitutional authority.