Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, has said the Council of State has failed Ghana’s democracy. He made the statement in a Facebook post on Thursday, May 1, 2025.
Although the the Effutu Member of Parliament did not provide reasons for his comments, it is believed to be linked to the Council’s role in the suspension of the Chief Justice.
Following some petitions by some private citizens for the removal of the Chief Justice for abusing the powers of her office, President John Dramani Mahama, in consultation with the Council of State, as enshrined in the 1992 Constitution, suspended the Chief Justice.
This is pending investigations into the charges leveled against her after a prima facie case has been established from the petitions.
Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, the Chief Justice, according to the separate petitions filed by about five citizens, has engaged in acts that contravenes what is expected of her office, including using state funds to foot her family’s bills to travel abroad.
Complying with Article 146(10) of the 1992 Constitution which mandates the President to suspend the Chief Justice in consultation with the Council of State, President Mahama suspended Madam Torkornoo following the petitions.
Meanwhile, the Minority in Parliament has kicked against the suspension describing it as unconstitutional.
The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), together with some other political parties, have hinted of a demonstration against the suspension and the dismissal of some civil and public servants which they describe as being politically motivated.
But the Minority Leader believes the Council of State’s actions is an affront to the nation’s democracy.
CJ’s suspension: Go to court if you have a case – Thaddeus Sory tells GBA
