The Minority in Parliament has criticized President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to suspend Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, describing the move as “tyranny” and a reckless abuse of power.
The suspension, announced on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, follows the establishment of a prima facie case based on three petitions calling for the Chief Justice’s removal.
The decision, taken in line with Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution and in consultation with the Council of State, has sparked heated debate over judicial independence and governance.
In a press release, the Minority accused the President of orchestrating a politically motivated witch-hunt aimed at controlling the judiciary.
“The decision by President John Dramani Mahama to suspend Her Ladyship Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo under the purported authority of Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, is nothing short of a brazen judicial coup, a reckless abuse of Executive power, and a direct assault on the independence of Ghana’s Judiciary”.
The Minority further alleged that the suspension is part of a broader pattern of political persecution and misuse of state institutions to intimidate opponents.
“This move, taken while legitimate legal challenges are pending before the Supreme Court, reeks of intolerable political vendetta, judicial intimidation, and a calculated attempt to pack the courts with NDC-sympathetic justices,”.
The Minority has demanded the immediate reinstatement of Chief Justice Torkornoo, pending the Supreme Court’s determination of the legal challenges surrounding her suspension.
“The integrity of Ghana’s judiciary is non-negotiable. We shall vigorously oppose any and all attempts to turn our courts into political tools,”.
The Caucus warned that any further attempts to harass, intimidate, or unlawfully remove the Chief Justice would be met with fierce legal and public resistance, emphasizing their commitment to defending judicial independence.
Read full statement below
