A Former Deputy Attorney General, Alfred Tuah-Yeboah
Former Deputy Attorney General Alfred Tuah-Yeboah has raised serious concerns over the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, describing the action as “surprising” and labeling the Council of State’s advice as “poisonous.”
He also expressed strong disapproval of the grounds on which the decision was made, warning of its broader implications for Ghana’s democratic institutions.
“I’m rather surprised at the suspension of the Chief Justice, even though there was such a step to be taken,” he said during an interview with JoyNews on April 22, 2025.
“I’m surprised because the president is not bound by the advice of the Council of State. The president may decide not to follow that advice, which, in this case, indicated that the Chief Justice should step aside while the matter is being heard by the panel,” he added.
He continued, “But that’s the president’s decision. I see the advice of the Council of State as being very poisonous.”
Tuah-Yeboah also criticised the role played by the Council of State in this situation, suggesting their recommendation could disrupt the balance among the three arms of government: the Executive, Judiciary, and Legislature.
“We have to be very careful about how we treat the head of any arm of government in Ghana,” he cautioned.
“We have three main arms: the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary, and the expectation is that the Council of State will act in a way that preserves balance. There may be instances where they advise the president to suspend the Chief Justice, but the grounds for such advice must be weighty, not hollow,” Tuah-Yeboah added.
He concluded by expressing disappointment in the reasons behind the Chief Justice’s suspension, based on the information made public.
“I’m carefully reviewing the grounds. From what we’ve read, if these are the reasons for recommending that the Chief Justice be suspended pending investigation, then I am deeply disappointed in that decision,” he said.
RAD/MA
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