The Minority Caucus in Parliament has strongly condemned the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo by President John Dramani Mahama, describing it as an unconstitutional act and a direct threat to judicial independence.
According to Jerry Ahmed Shaib, Member of Parliament for Weija-Gbawe, who led the press conference, President Mahama’s decision to suspend the Chief Justice despite active proceedings before the Supreme Court, questioning the constitutionality of the process is an unpardonable affront to the rule of law.
“The Minority, committed to justice, constitutionalism, and the sanctity of the judiciary, demands the immediate reversal of this unconstitutional act by President John Dramani Mahama. We see it as a politically motivated witch hunt to control the judiciary,” he said.
He said President Mahama’s pledge at Akosombo during his presidential campaign in 2023, to balance the judiciary by appointing partisan-aligned judges exposes the real motive behind the suspension of the Chief Justice.
“This is not judicial reform. It is a tyranny in plain sight.”
He sent a warning to the Mahama-led administration that the Minority will resist what they term a “judicial coup d’état.”
“Any attempt to pack the judiciary with politically compliant judges will be challenged to the fullest extent of the law. The legal fraternity, civil society, and all defenders of democracy, and women… please take note. Do not sleep for John Mahama to redirect state institutions under his cloak. Women it is your time to rise up,” he called everyone to action.
The Minority Caucus, in their press conference, demanded the reinstatement of the Chief Justice until the Supreme Court decides otherwise. They also called for all proceedings to remove the Chief Justice to be halted until the Supreme Court rules conclusively on the constitutionality of the process.
“Please allow the independence of the judiciary to foster. Let us stop attacking the judiciary,” he said.
The Minority says it is ready to defend Ghana’s democracy against all forms of executive overreach and is willing to oppose all attempts by the incumbent government to turn Ghana’s courts into political tools.
“Enough is enough. Leave the judiciary alone. Leave Chief Justice Esaaba Torkonoo Sackey alone.”
