Suspension of Chief Justice Raises Concerns About Ghana’s Democratic Stability

The suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has drawn sharp criticism from legal experts and former government officials, who warn the decision could damage Ghana’s international reputation and weaken judicial independence.

Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa, a former Council of State member and prominent lawyer, expressed grave concerns about the global implications of the move. “When you suspend a Chief Justice, the signal it sends to the international community is quite serious,” he said. “Many investors may withhold investments from Ghana due to this situation.” His remarks underscore growing anxiety about how the suspension might affect the country’s economic prospects and democratic credentials.

The criticism follows President John Mahama’s decision to suspend the Chief Justice based on petitions and the Council of State’s advice, as stipulated under Article 146 of Ghana’s Constitution. A five-member committee has been formed to investigate the allegations, comprising Supreme Court justices, a former Auditor-General, a military representative, and a law professor.

Alfred Tua Yeboah, former Deputy Attorney General, described the Council of State’s recommendation as “acidic and poisonous,” warning that it threatens judicial independence. “The consequences will be dire for Ghana’s democracy,” he told Citi FM, emphasizing that while the President is not bound by the Council’s advice, the decision carries significant weight.

Private legal practitioner Austin Brako-Powers echoed these concerns, calling the suspension a politically motivated move that risks eroding trust in government institutions. “Using executive power to target the judiciary undermines our democracy,” he wrote on social media. “The judiciary remains the last bastion of hope for many Ghanaians.”

The suspension comes at a sensitive time for Ghana’s governance, with observers noting increased tensions between state institutions. While the President’s action follows constitutional procedure, legal analysts caution that such moves, when perceived as politically driven, can have lasting consequences for institutional credibility. Similar situations in other democracies have often led to prolonged instability, making this case particularly significant for Ghana’s future.

As the committee begins its work, its findings will be closely scrutinized both domestically and internationally. The outcome could either reinforce confidence in Ghana’s constitutional processes or deepen concerns about the separation of powers in one of Africa’s most stable democracies.