Alfred Tuah Yeboah, a former deputy attorney general, has severely criticized the Council of State’s decision that resulted in Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo’s suspension, calling it “very poisonous.”

Tuah Yeboah warned that the Council’s suggestion might have a significant impact on the judiciary’s independence and voiced grave reservations about its necessity and wider ramifications.

His statements come after President John Dramani Mahama suspended the Chief Justice on Tuesday, April 22, after concluding that three distinct petitions calling for her removal had established a prima facie case.

Following discussions with the Council of State, the measure was conducted in compliance with Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution, and it has opened the door for a formal investigation.

Since then, as required by the Constitution, a five-member committee has been formed to look into the petitions.

“If you take the Chief Justice out and you want to advise for her suspension, the Council of State need to tread cautiously, because whatever decision they take has far-reaching consequences, so far as judicial independence in Ghana is concerned. That is why I have stated elsewhere that the decision of the Council of State is very acidic, very poisonous,” he said