PUSAG rejects UK Bar’s call for Chief Justice’s reinstatement

The Private Universities Students’ Association of Ghana (PUSAG) has publicly rebuked a joint call from the Bar Council of England & Wales and the Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA) to reinstate the suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo.

In a press release issued on Monday, August 18, 2025, PUSAG declared that the country’s judicial accountability is a constitutional duty, not a foreign mandate.

PUSAG firmly stated that Article 146(10)(a) of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution empowers the President, acting on the advice of the Council of State, to suspend the Chief Justice when a petition is referred to a committee of inquiry.

The student body highlighted that this process has already been tested and upheld by Ghana’s Supreme Court in a 3-2 decision on May 6, 2025.

PUSAG also noted that the matter is currently before the ECOWAS Court of Justice.

While acknowledging the importance of judicial independence and the Latimer House Principles, PUSAG argued that “external directives demanding ‘immediate reinstatement’ undermine due process, the authority of our apex court, and ongoing regional judicial proceedings”.

The association’s stance is that advocacy is welcome, but “prescriptions are not”.

PUSAG’s press release, signed by General Secretary George Etornam Thatchroot and National President Ibrahim Issah, calls for several actions.

• Respect for Ghana’s Constitution and Courts: PUSAG insists that the procedures outlined in Article 146 must be allowed to run their course without foreign interference.
• Fair and Timely Process: The association urges the investigating committee to ensure a fair and expedited process in line with constitutional safeguards.
• Constructive Dialogue: PUSAG suggests that international professional bodies should engage directly with Ghana’s Bar, the solicitors of the suspended Chief Justice, and the Attorney-General’s office rather than issuing demands.

The student group concluded its statement by reaffirming that Ghana’s commitment to the rule of law is demonstrated not by “bowing to external pressure but by upholding our Constitution, respecting judicial processes, and ensuring accountability through lawful channels”.

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