The Minority Caucus in Parliament has condemned President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to suspend Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, and demanded she be re-instated with immediate effect.
In a statement issued by the caucus, they accused President Mahama 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.
According to the presidency communication signed by the Minister of Government Communication, John Mahama suspended the Chief Justice following a prima facie case being determined against her by the Council of State.
Part of the statement read, “President John Dramani Mahama has, in accordance with Article 146(6) of the Constitution and in consultation with the Council of State, determined that a prima facie case has been established in respect of three petitions against the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo.”
“The President has consequently, established a committee in compliance with Article 146(6) of the Constitution and in consultation with the Council of State with the following composition to inquire into the petitions which have been referred to them”.
The committee is composed as follows:
Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, Justice of the Supreme Court – Chairman
Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu Asiedu, Justice of the Supreme Court – Member
Daniel Yaw Domelevo, Former Auditor-General – Member
Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo, Ghana Armed Forces – Member
Professor James Sefah Dzisah, Associate Professor, University of Ghana – Member
Meanwhile, the specific allegations contained in the petitions have not been publicly disclosed.
