The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, has strongly criticised the Council of State over its recommendation to suspend Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Sackey Torkornoo.

The recommendation came after a prima facie case was established in response to petitions submitted to President John Dramani Mahama, calling for the Chief Justice’s removal from office.

Addressing the issue, Afenyo-Markin expressed his disappointment in the Council of State, accusing the advisory body of failing the nation with a recommendation he described as lacking sound judgment, especially given the sensitivity of the matter.

“Our Council of State has failed us. The Council of State tells us that they found a prima facie, that's where the disappointment comes from,” he said in an interview on Joy FM on May 2, 2025.

Recounting his experiences with the previous Council of State, the Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, disclosed that the political class — particularly the 8th Parliament — regularly consulted the advisory body on key parliamentary matters, to which they responded with constructive interventions and proved to be of immense help.

However, expressing his concern, Afenyo-Markin asserted his lack of trust in the current Council of State, questioning how the political class could confidently seek their advice when faced with challenges, especially when the body makes decisions that undermine its own integrity.

“I remember in the Eighth Parliament, we relied on the Council of State a lot to intervene in that Parliament. They helped both sides a lot. Now, would I have the courage, the trust in them? This is the Council of State we have,” he continued.

He added, “They call themselves Council of State and then make a recommendation that the woman should be suspended. For what offence? It is not about her, but it's about the institution.”

Background

President John Dramani Mahama suspended Ghana's Chief Justice and head of the judiciary, Justice Gertrude Araba Esaba Torkonoo.

According to a statement signed by the Spokesperson to the President and Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the suspension followed the establishment of a prima facie case against the Chief Justice by the president, in consultation with the Council of State, in relation to three petitions filed against Justice Torkornoo.

“President John Dramani Mahama has, in accordance with Article 146(6) of the Constitution and in consultation with the Council of State, determined that a prima facie case has been established in respect of three petitions against the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo,” the statement, dated Tuesday, April 22, 2025, stated.

The president has also established a five-member committee, in compliance with constitutional provisions, to inquire into the petitions, which have been referred to the committee.

“The president has consequently established a committee in compliance with Article 146(6) of the Constitution and in consultation with the Council of State with the following composition to inquire into the petitions which have been referred to them,” the statement added.

MAG/AE

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