Stop public outrage; take your constitutional case to court – Thaddeus Sory to GBA

Thaddeus Sory, a well-known legal figure, criticized the Ghana Bar Association (GBA). He urged them to take their concerns to court. He believes public outrage and threats are unproductive.

On April 29, 2025, Sory posted on Facebook about the GBA's resolution. The GBA wanted the Acting Chief Justice to withdraw a directive on case assignments. They also called for the President to revoke the Chief Justice's suspension.

The GBA argued that the suspension was unconstitutional. They claimed the President acted outside the law without necessary regulations under Article 296 of the 1992 Constitution.

Sory dismissed their argument as legally flawed and disrespectful. He pointed out that assigning cases is an administrative function of the Chief Justice's office. It is not tied to any individual holding that title.

He emphasized that powers exercised by the suspended Chief Justice belong to the office itself. Therefore, the Acting Chief Justice can assign cases just like her predecessor did.

Sory noted that GBA’s outrage followed years of silence over constitutional breaches by the suspended Chief Justice. He reminded them of Article 146(10), which states that only after advice from the Council of State can a President suspend a Chief Justice.

He stressed that this advice is mandatory for presidential action, not a matter of personal discretion.

“Where was the Bar when unconstitutional guidelines were issued?” Sory asked. He highlighted their failure to address previous violations and financial losses caused by these actions.

He encouraged GBA to pursue legal action if they believed in their case. “If you have a strong case, take it to court,” he said. Public outrage will not change legal outcomes.

Sory added that history has not favored GBA in past constitutional challenges, often leading to defeats.

He concluded by reminding them that interpreting law isn't exclusive to their group. Other legal professionals have successfully challenged them in court before.