Minority alleges plot to suspend Chief Justice and install pro-NDC judge
John Darko, the MP for Suame (NPP), who addressed a press conference on the party’s behalf on Wednesday (16 April), alleged that steps are being taken to invoke constitutional provisions and to effect the plan to remove Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, which he warns could compromise judicial independence
The Minority in Parliament has raised a red flag in response to what it claims is a calculated move to suspend Ghana’s Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo.
The group argues that the aim is to clear the path leading to the appointment of a judge generally seen to be aligned with the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Addressing an emergency press conference on Wednesday (16 April), the MP for Suame in the Ashanti Region, John Darko, alleged that steps are being taken to invoke constitutional provisions to give effect to the plan to dismiss Her Ladyship Torkornoo. Such moves, he warned, could compromise judicial independence.
“We are aware of plans being hatched to invoke Article 146 (10)(a) to [extend] plans to suspend the Chief Justice [and] appoint somebody who is a known sympathiser of the NDC government to act as Chief Justice of the Republic …
“Justice Torkornoo’s destruction should not be the grounds for your rising to the office of Chief Justice,” Darko said.
“To you that judge: remember that you can rise together, but if you ride on the destruction of another to rise, remember that posterity will not be kind to you,” he warned.
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The Minority Caucus argued further that the petitions seeking the removal of the Chief Justice are unfounded and fail to meet the constitutional requirements for removal.
Representatives of the Minority announced that sources had shared information with the caucus showing that there is no sound base to the three petitions against Her Ladyship Torkornoo. Consequently, the MPs said, traditional and religious leaders will need to intervene to resolve the matter.
“To our revered traditional leaders and religious leaders, the time to call the president to advise him is now,” said legal counsel for the Minority. “The time to pray for our country is now. We should not wait until it’s too late.”
The statement follows the Supreme Court’s adjournment of an injunction application seeking to stop the president and the Council of State from proceeding with a prima facie determination on petitions calling for the removal of the Chief Justice.
In court yesterday (Wednesday 16 April), a five-member panel presided over by Justice Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu adjourned sitting to 6 May, following an application filed by legal representatives seeking to block the process of hearing the petitions.
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