Prof Agyeman-Duah warns of reputational damage over suspension of Chief Justice

Former United Nations Governance Advisor, Prof Baffour Agyeman-Duah, is worried about the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo. He believes this situation could harm Ghana’s democratic reputation.

On April 22, President Mahama suspended the Chief Justice. He made this decision after consulting with the Council of State. This followed petitions calling for her removal from office.

In an interview on Joy FM's Middaynews on April 23, Prof Agyeman-Duah said the issue has dragged on too long. He warned it threatens Ghana's image as a stable democracy. “We may suffer reputational damage as a nation,” he cautioned.

Prof Agyeman-Duah emphasized the importance of independence among government branches: executive, judiciary, and legislature. He noted that even during tensions, leaders should avoid direct interference.

He referenced U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt from the 1930s. Roosevelt faced opposition from a conservative Supreme Court but did not retaliate. Instead, he initiated judicial reforms without punitive actions.

He also mentioned Ghana’s history with former President Kwame Nkrumah. Nkrumah removed Chief Justice Sir Arku Korsah after a controversial trial ruling—this remains unique in Ghanaian history.

Prof Agyeman-Duah recalled how President K.A. Busia responded to a Supreme Court ruling against him by defying it instead of interfering directly with the judiciary.

In more recent times, he pointed to former President John Agyekum Kufuor’s approach to the Tsatsu Tsikata case. Rather than dismiss judges, Kufuor added another judge to change the balance.

“Presidents in democracies are careful not to appear to subvert other government branches,” he stressed.