Minority raises alarm over President’s petition to remove Chief Justice

The Minority in Parliament has serious concerns about a petition from President John Dramani Mahama. This petition, submitted in March 2025, seeks to remove Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

They view this move as a direct threat to judicial independence. Members of the Minority warn it sets a dangerous precedent for Ghana’s democracy. They compare it to dark moments in the country’s past, such as the murder of three judges on June 30, 1982.

The Minority dismissed the allegations in the petition as "spurious." These allegations focus on judicial promotions and contempt rulings. They argue this is part of a broader attempt to influence the Judiciary politically.

“This is not just about one individual,” they emphasized. “It’s about preserving our democracy's integrity.” They warned that if this fails, ordinary Ghanaians will suffer.

John Darko, Ranking Member on the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee, raised these concerns at a press conference in Accra. The Minority called on traditional and religious leaders to advise the president. They urged these leaders to push for reconsideration of the petition.

Additionally, they asked international diplomatic missions to monitor the situation closely. They warned that eroding judicial independence could lead to democratic backsliding in Ghana.