The Minority in Parliament has strongly criticised President John Dramani Mahama following his decision to suspend Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, describing the move as ‘tyranny’ and a deviation from good governance.
The suspension comes after a prima facie case was established in relation to three petitions calling for the Chief Justice’s removal from office.
The decision, taken in line with Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution and in consultation with the Council of State, sets the stage for a formal inquiry into Ghana’s highest-ranking judicial officer.
A five-member committee has since been constituted under Article 146(6) to investigate the matter.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, April 22, the Minority described the suspension as a politically motivated witch-hunt aimed at controlling the judiciary and reckless abuse of power.
The minority contended that the President’s action is neither good governance nor a credible attempt to “reset” the judicial system.
The Minority further alleged that the suspension is part of a broader pattern of political persecution and misuse of state institutions to intimidate opponents.
“The decision by President John Dramani Mahama to suspend Her Ladyship Chief Justice Gertrude
Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo under the purported authority of Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, is nothing short of a brazen judicial coup, a reckless abuse of Executive power, and a direct assault on the independence of Ghana’s Judiciary.
“This move, taken while legitimate legal challenges are pending before the Supreme Court, reeks of intolerable political vendetta, Judicial intimidation, and a calculated attempt to pack the courts with NDC-sympathetic justices – as openly promised by President Mahama in Akosombo in 2023.”
The Minority demanded the immediate reinstatement of the Chief Justice pending the Supreme Court’s
determination of the pending legal challenges.
“A halt to all removal proceedings until the judiciary has conclusively ruled on the constitutionality of the process.
“The integrity of Ghana’s judiciary is non-negotiable. We shall vigorously oppose any and all attempts to turn our courts into political tools.”
The Minority warned that any further attempts to harass, intimidate, or unlawfully remove the Chief Justice will be met with fierce legal and public resistance.
