Minority to Women: ' It's Your Time to Rise Up' Against Judicial Interference

Accra, Ghana - 26 April, 2025 - The Minority Caucus in Ghana's Parliament has vehemently condemned President John Dramani Mahama's suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, labeling it an unconstitutional act that undermines judicial independence.

According to Jerry Ahmed Shaib, Member of Parliament for Weija-Gbawe, the suspension is a "politically motivated witch hunt" aimed at controlling the judiciary.

“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.

The Minority argues that the President's decision to suspend the Chief Justice while proceedings questioning the constitutionality of the process are ongoing before the Supreme Court is an affront to the rule of law.

They claim that President Mahama's actions are consistent with his earlier pledge to "balance the judiciary" by appointing partisan-aligned judges, which they say exposes the real motive behind the suspension.

The Minority Caucus has demanded the immediate reinstatement of Chief Justice Torkornoo and called for all proceedings to remove her to be halted until the Supreme Court rules conclusively on the constitutionality of the process. They warned that any attempt to pack the judiciary with politically compliant judges would be challenged to the fullest extent of the law.

“This is not judicial reform. It is a tyranny in plain sight.”

In a passionate call to action, the Minority urged Ghanaians, particularly women, to rise up and defend the country's democracy against executive overreach.

“Please allow the independence of the judiciary to foster. Let us stop attacking the judiciary.

“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 added.

“Enough is enough. Leave the judiciary alone. Leave Chief Justice Esaaba Torkonoo Sackey alone,'' he concluded.

Source: Lead News Online