Minority condemns Mahama’s suspension of Chief Justice as 'judicial coup'

The Minority has condemned President John Mahama's actions regarding Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

On Tuesday, April 22, President Mahama suspended Torkornoo. This followed the formation of a committee to investigate petitions against her.

The Presidency announced this move in a statement. It complies with constitutional provisions and follows consultations with the Council of State.

In their statement, the Minority denounced the suspension. They called it an affront to due process and the rule of law.

They criticized the timing of the suspension. The constitutionality of the process is still under review by the Court. This shows a reckless disregard for judicial independence.

The Minority described this as judicial overreach and executive interference. They compared it to a 1963 incident involving President Kwame Nkrumah and Chief Justice Sir Arku Korsah.

They argued that suspending Torkornoo was a political move, not accountability. They accused President Mahama of trying to control the judiciary.

Critics believe Mahama’s actions reflect his controversial statements from Akosombo in 2023. He hinted at wanting to "rebalance" the judiciary with judges sympathetic to his party, NDC.

The Minority labeled this as a politically motivated "witch-hunt." They said it undermines judicial independence by aiming to appoint NDC-aligned judges.

“This is neither good governance nor credible reform,” they stated. “It is tyranny.” They emphasized that Ghanaians will not tolerate subverting judicial independence for political gain.

The Minority warned against further executive interference. They promised fierce legal and public resistance against harassment or unlawful removal of Torkornoo.

They pledged to challenge any attempts to fill the judiciary with compliant judges. “We will not stand idly by while the judiciary becomes an appendage of the Executive,” they declared.

Additionally, they called for Torkornoo's immediate reinstatement until the Supreme Court rules on her suspension's legality.

They demanded all proceedings aimed at removing her be halted until then. “The integrity of Ghana’s judiciary is non-negotiable,” they asserted, vowing to oppose any politicization of the courts vigorously.