Posterity won’t favour any judge who replaces Torkornoo – Fatimatu Abubakar warns Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo. This decision has sparked intense public and political debate. Members of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) have issued strong warnings.

The suspension follows three petitions alleging misconduct against the Chief Justice. President Mahama referred the matter to the Council of State. They recommended forming a five-member committee to investigate the claims. Based on this advice, the Chief Justice was suspended pending the committee’s findings.

Critics have raised concerns about the timing and approach of the suspension. Legal analysts and civil society groups question the transparency of the process. The petitions have not been made public, and court challenges are ongoing. There are fears that this move may undermine judicial independence.

Former Minister of Information Fatimatu Abubakar criticized the suspension as politically motivated. She believes it could harm Ghana’s judicial credibility in the long run. In an interview with Movement TV, she warned that any judge accepting a new appointment risks similar treatment.

Fatimatu stated that this government’s handling of the situation could create a cycle of retaliation. This cycle could threaten judicial neutrality in future administrations. She emphasized that if NPP returns to power, they would apply similar standards to any Chief Justice appointed under perceived unfair conditions.

She urged President Mahama to reconsider his actions and withdraw support for the petitions against Justice Torkornoo. Fatimatu stressed that protecting judicial independence from partisanship is crucial for Ghana's democracy. “This is not just about one individual,” she said, “but about safeguarding our judiciary.”