CJ suspension a ‘day of shame’ for Ghana – John Darko

John Darko, the MP for Suame, called April 22 a “day of shame” for Ghana. He accused President John Dramani Mahama of acting on political motives. This was the day Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo was suspended.

The President suspended Chief Justice Torkornoo after three petitions were filed against her. A prima facie case was established from these petitions. The decision followed Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution and involved the Council of State.

This action has sparked controversy in legal and political circles. Concerns about judicial independence have been raised as well. The details of the petitions remain undisclosed.

According to constitutional procedures, Torkornoo received the petitions and had ten days to respond. She submitted her response on April 7. In an interview on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News, Darko dismissed claims that the suspension was constitutional.

He accused President Mahama of pursuing a partisan agenda. “The president is following the NDC's political plan,” he said. Darko claimed that everyone knows the NDC promised to remove the Chief Justice.

He further alleged that this suspension is part of a broader effort by the NDC to control the judiciary. “This is a political vendetta,” he stated, calling it a “political hunt.” He emphasized that this act aims to subjugate the judiciary.

In contrast, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State in Charge of Government Communications, defended the President’s actions. He stated that the suspension complied fully with Ghana’s Constitution.