The People’s National Party (PNP) has condemned what it describes as an attempt by President John Dramani Mahama to remove the Chief Justice from office.
The party has also bemoaned what it calls the betrayal of women’s empowerment by the President, having failed to meet the percentage requirement of women he promised in his administration.
The PNP’s comments come on the back of three separate petitions received by the President to oust the Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Essaba Sackey Torkonoo.
The President, upon receipt of the petitions, has consulted the Council of State to advice him on the next step to take.
This, is what the PNP in a statement released Thursday, March 27, 2025 says is disheartening.
“The People’s National Party (PNP) is deeply disheartened by President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to direct petitions for the removal of the Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkonno to the Council of State,” portions of the statement indicate.
According to the party, the move is “unprecedented”, considering the fact that “previous administrations have respected judicial independence and worked with Chief Justices regardless of political differences.”
The statement signed by the Chairperson and Leader of the Party, Janet Asana Nabla, says the move betrays President Mahama’s commitment to the Affirmative Action Law and his pledge of women inclusion in his administration which the party says has been abandoned based on the number of women in his government now.
“This action is yet another betrayal of the very women President Mahama promised to empower. His pledge to implement the Affirmative Action Law and ensure 30% representation of women in his government has been abandoned.
“Instead of delivering on this promise, he is actively seeking ways to remove those who were already there before his tenure,” said the release.
The PNP has further criticised the government of making the Electoral Commissioner, Jean Adukwei Mensa, also one of its targets, culminating into the administration’s disaffection towards women.
“Since assuming office, instead of focusing on delivering his manifesto promises to improve the lives of Ghanaians, President Mahama has been fixated on the Chief Justice and the Electoral Commissioner.”
Find below the full statement from the party:
