Political risk analyst and economist Dr. Theo Acheampong has criticised the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) over its recent stance on the suspension of the Chief Justice, questioning both the legal merit and consistency of the Association’s arguments.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile, Dr. Acheampong described the GBA’s position as inconsistent and politically tinged, especially when contrasted with its earlier, more measured press release issued just a week prior.
His comments follow the GBA’s call for President Mahama to revoke the suspension of the Chief Justice.
Dr. Acheampong questioned the authority and legal basis upon which the GBA is making its claims regarding the Chief Justice’s suspension, arguing that many other respected legal minds within the association hold contrary views.
“For the GBA to be making these pronouncements now—where have they been all this while?” he asked. “We’ve seen serious governance issues, constitutional breaches, and institutional decay over the last eight years, yet the GBA has largely been silent. Suddenly, they’ve found their voice, and now they want to speak with such authority?”
“In relation to this issue of the Chief Justice, it doesn’t really hold water. If you subject it to even the stretches of the law, as others have argued, I don’t agree with or support the so-called call for revocation,” he noted.
“I struggle with what the GBA is actually saying on this. Only a few days ago, they issued a statement that was relatively balanced. Now, suddenly, they’ve taken a much stronger position—apparently backed by just 47 out of over 5,000 members,” he added.
He stressed that nothing about the President’s actions in the Chief Justice matter appears to contravene the Constitution, adding that the President is following due process.
“If the GBA truly believes what the President is doing is unconstitutional, they should go to court. Let the judiciary settle it. But I suspect they would struggle to make a convincing case.”