Ayariga Defends CJ Suspension, Slams GBA’s Criticism as Unfounded
Ayariga Challenges GBA’s Criticism, Stands by Constitutional Process Behind CJ’s Suspension
- Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga supports President Mahama’s suspension of Chief Justice Torkornoo
- Ayariga dismisses the Ghana Bar Association’s claim that the suspension is unconstitutional
- A five-member committee has been formed to investigate the allegations against Chief Justice Torkornoo
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has come out in strong defense of President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to suspend Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, rejecting criticism from the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) and other legal experts.
In a statement released on Wednesday, April 30, Ayariga affirmed that the suspension was in full compliance with constitutional procedures, having been carried out with the necessary consultation with the Council of State, as outlined in Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution.
This comes in response to the GBA’s April 26 statement, which labeled the suspension as unconstitutional, arguing that it lacked legal basis and citing an absence of a relevant Constitutional or Statutory Instrument, as required by Article 296.
Ayariga expressed his disbelief at the GBA’s stance, questioning whether the Association had any concerns about the advice provided by the Council of State in this matter. He criticized what he saw as a deliberate attempt to undermine a constitutionally sanctioned process.
“The checks against presidential bias or personal resentment are safeguarded by the requirement to consult the Council of State,” Ayariga remarked. “Unless the GBA and its commentators are questioning the Council’s advice, I find it puzzling and disingenuous to fault the process thus far.”
The suspension of Chief Justice Torkornoo was announced on April 22, following a prima facie case being established against her, based on petitions from private citizen Daniel Ofori, senior police officer Ayamga Akolgo, and the civic group Shining Stars of Ghana. A five-member committee has been set up to investigate the matter.
