Minority Condemns CJ Suspension as 'Unconstitutional'

Apr 23, 2025 - 11:02

Accra, Ghana - 23 April, 2025 - Ghana's Minority in Parliament has strongly condemned President John Mahama's decision to suspend Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, citing concerns over due process and judicial independence.

Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo was suspended by President John Mahama on Tuesday, April 22, and according to the Minority, the suspension is a blatant case of executive interference in the judiciary, undermining the independence of the courts.

They argue that the timing of the suspension, while the constitutionality of the process is still being determined by the Court, demonstrates a reckless disregard for judicial independence.

The Minority, in a statement described the move as "judicial overreach of the highest order" and drew comparisons to the 1963 incident when President Kwame Nkrumah dismissed Chief Justice Sir Arku Korsah for ruling against his government.

They accused President Mahama of seeking to exert political control over the judiciary and appoint judges sympathetic to the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The controversy has raised questions about the motivations behind the suspension. Critics claim that Mahama's actions align with his previous statements about "rebalancing" the judiciary by appointing NDC-aligned judges. The Minority has vowed to challenge any moves to pack the judiciary with politically compliant judges and has called for the immediate reinstatement of Chief Justice Torkornoo.

The situation remains fluid, with the Supreme Court yet to rule on the legal challenges to the suspension. The Minority has pledged to vigorously oppose any attempts to politicise the courts and has warned that further executive interference will face "fierce legal and public resistance".

Read the full statment from the MInority below.