Minority Condemns Suspension of Chief Justice, Calls it Attack on Judiciary

The Minority in Ghana’s Parliament has harshly criticized President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to suspend Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, describing it as authoritarian and a threat to the country’s democratic foundations.

The suspension, which follows the establishment of a prima facie case against the Chief Justice based on three separate petitions, was executed under Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution after consultations with the Council of State. This move triggers a formal investigative process, and a five-member committee has been set up to carry out the inquiry.

In a press statement issued on April 22, the Minority accused the President of engaging in a politically driven campaign to undermine the independence of the judiciary. They labeled the action a misuse of executive power, alleging that it is part of a broader attempt to subdue the judicial system for political gain.

According to the statement, the Minority believes the timing of the suspension — while certain legal questions are still before the Supreme Court — further highlights what they describe as an agenda to intimidate judges and sway judicial outcomes in favor of the ruling party.

“This action reflects a calculated effort to weaken the judiciary and stack it with partisan loyalists,” the statement read, referencing prior remarks made by President Mahama in Akosombo in 2023.

The group is demanding that the Chief Justice be reinstated immediately, pending the resolution of constitutional questions currently before the Supreme Court. They emphasized the importance of protecting judicial independence and vowed to challenge any perceived interference with legal institutions through both legal and public channels.