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The Minority in Ghana’s Parliament has strongly condemned President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to suspend Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo. Describing the move as a “brazen judicial coup,” the Minority accused the President of abusing executive power and undermining the independence of the judiciary.
In a statement issued on April 22, the Minority argued that the suspension was a politically motivated act aimed at controlling the judiciary. They pointed out that this action occurred while legitimate legal challenges against the process were still before the Supreme Court, which raises concerns about political interference.
The Minority highlighted that the suspension is reminiscent of historical political actions, citing the 1963 removal of Chief Justice Sir Arku Korsah by President Kwame Nkrumah. They further alleged that the President’s statement in Akosombo in 2023, where he vowed to appoint judges sympathetic to the National Democratic Congress (NDC), revealed his intentions to influence the judiciary.
Labeling the suspension as a direct assault on the rule of law, the Minority demanded the immediate reversal of the action, calling it unconstitutional and a dangerous precedent for Ghana’s democratic framework. They emphasized that Ghana must remain a constitutional democracy where the independence of the judiciary is respected and protected.
