Private legal practitioner Mr. Benjamin Tachie Antiedu has urged the Ghanaian public not to read political meanings into the resignation of retired Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo from the Council of State.
He stated that resigning from a position should be viewed as a normal occurrence, asserting that stepping down is a regular practice that should neither be stigmatized nor taunted.
According to him, there are numerous reasons why individuals choose to resign, noting that the constitution explicitly makes provisions for how the process should be handled.
Addressing the issue on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM with host Kwabena Agyapong, Mr. Antiedu remarked, “This would not be the first time someone would resign from a position. The constitution provides guidelines on how people in position can resign. In some instances, people resign due to ill health and any other reasons. Even the President and his vice can resign, and so why should the resignation of the former Chief Justice be a problem? This should not be a problem, especially when the one who resigned provided no reasons. The speculations are needless.”
The lawyer encouraged Ghanaians to support individuals who choose to step down rather than engaging in conjecture, adding, “We shouldn’t speculate as to the reason for the resignation but rather encourage that when there is the need to do so, we encourage people to do so.”
Mr. Antiedu explained that Article 89 of the Constitution outlines the composition of the Council of State, noting that the President is expected to appoint a former Chief Justice in consultation with Parliament.
He pointed out that the law accounts for resignations, indicating that the nation might even reach a point where a former Chief Justice, Inspector General of Police, or other security chiefs may not be available, which ultimately does not affect the Council’s overall composition.
He further noted that the Council of State only advises the President and does not make binding decisions.
When asked about claims surrounding her initial appointment—specifically assertions that she was chosen due to her past criticisms of the previous government and that her resignation reflects her independent-mindedness—Mr. Antiedu dismissed these views as political assertions rather than matters of law. He reiterated that the public should halt their speculations as they serve no constructive purpose.
Regarding how quickly a replacement could be made, he noted that another surviving former Chief Justice is available to fill the vacancy.
Commenting on the transition, he said, “God being so good, we have a surviving former Chief Justice who can replace her. I am sure President Mahama will make that replacement.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Antiedu referenced the ongoing debate surrounding the relevance of the Council of State, including proposals to either scrap the advisory body or transform it into an Upper Chamber of Parliament, which underscores the broader concerns Ghanaians share.
He also noted that the Constitutional Review process has slowed down, challenging public officials to speed up the exercise.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
