A coalition of political parties led by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has petitioned the Judiciary to intervene in the recent suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo by President John Dramani Mahama.
During the submission of the petition, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin called on Judicial Service staff to support efforts aimed at safeguarding judicial independence and fairness. He cautioned key officials, including the Acting Chief Justice and the Acting Judicial Service Secretary, against complacency, emphasizing that political changes should not result in targeted removals within the judiciary.
Afenyo-Markin warned that the practice of dismissing Chief Justices and top judges with each change in government could foster division and undermine public trust in the legal system. “Don’t be comfortable because it’s Torkornoo,” he said. “Rather, pray for a system where justice is fair and benefits everyone.”
In response, Acting Judicial Service Secretary Dr. Cyracus Badinye Bapuuroh acknowledged the concerns and assured the delegation that the petition would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities for review.