By Eugene Davis
The Minority in Parliament has described the suspension of the Chief Justice, Getrude Torkornoo as “politically motivated witchhunt to control the judiciary” by President Mahama and his administration.
President John Mahama suspended the Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo on Tuesday, April 22.
This follows the establishment of a committee to investigate petitions against the top judicial official.
The move, announced in a statement from the Presidency, is in compliance with constitutional provisions and follows consultations with the Council of State.
Addressing the press at Parliament House last Friday, the Deputy Chief Whip, Jerry Ahmed Shaibu said “This unlawful suspension is not about upholding accountability; it is about raw political control.
President Mahama’s public pledge in Akosombo to “balance” the judiciary by appointing partisan-aligned judges exposes the real motive behind this desperate maneuver.
This is not judicial reform. It is tyranny in plain sight.
Let President Mahama be reminded: Ghana is a constitutional democracy not a personal fiefdom. The people of Ghana will not and should not tolerate the subjugation of the judiciary for partisan gain.”
The Minority Caucus also cautioned the President that any further harassment, intimidation, or unlawful removal of the Chief Justice will meet fierce legal and public resistance -any attempt to pack the judiciary with politically compliant judges will be challenged to the fullest extent of the law.
The Minority also demanded the immediate reinstatement of the Chief Justice pending the final determination of all constitutional challenges by the Supreme Court.
“A complete halt to all removal proceedings until the Supreme Court conclusively rules on the constitutionality of the process.
The integrity and independence of Ghana’s judiciary are non-negotiable”
