GhArticles.com Every News in Detail
Former Sekondi MP Andrew Egyapa Mercer has called out the National Democratic Congress (NDC) over what he describes as double standards regarding the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Monday, May 5, the lawyer and former legislator criticized those defending the recent move against the Chief Justice while having previously condemned the removal of former Electoral Commission Chairperson Charlotte Osei.
He questioned the consistency of political actors who, he said, “cried foul” over Charlotte Osei’s ouster but now support similar actions. “If they believed Charlotte Osei’s removal was unfair and improper, why are they now justifying this one?” he asked.
Egyapa Mercer acknowledged that the circumstances surrounding Osei’s removal involved internal disputes within the Electoral Commission but insisted that the current action against Justice Torkornoo raises comparable, if not more serious, concerns about political interference in state institutions.
He described the situation as a “chicken and egg” dilemma, accusing both sides of using constitutional issues for political convenience. “If it suits you, then it’s fine,” he said, adding that Ghanaians expected better from a government that once promised reform.
Mercer challenged critics to uphold consistency in principle rather than shift positions based on political gain. “If the NDC condemned what happened to Charlotte Osei, then they should not be supporting what is happening to the Chief Justice,” he stated.
His comments came in the wake of a protest by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and other political groups in Accra, condemning what they say is an attack on judicial independence following Justice Torkornoo’s suspension.
Egyapa Mercer concluded by urging political leaders to pursue a path based on honesty and consistency, not opportunism.
