Suspension of CJ unconstitutional; revoke decision immediately – GBA orders Mahama

The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has ordered President John Dramani Mahama to revoke Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo's suspension.

The GBA claims the suspension is unconstitutional. They argue it lacks legal basis under Ghana’s 1992 Constitution. In a statement dated April 26, they called for immediate revocation of the suspension.

They emphasized that the suspension was made without any published regulations. This violates Article 296 of the Constitution. The GBA also requested President Mahama to release the full decision against Chief Justice Torkornoo.

Saviour Kudze, GBA's PRO, spoke with Eyewitness News on April 29. He stated there should have been regulations before exercising such discretion. He believes this absence indicates that the president has not acted properly.

Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem-Sai responded on TV3. He questioned if lawyers understand that some constitutional matters are private. He suggested their call for public disclosure undermines the constitution.

Edudzi Tamakloe, Director of Legal Affairs for the NDC, defended the president's actions. He stated that a prima facie determination comes from the validity of a petition. According to him, nothing prevents the Council of State from fulfilling its duty once referred by the president.

He warned that stopping this process would subvert the constitution.