Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has issued a strong call to Ghana’s judiciary, urging them to stand united against what he alleges are politically motivated attempts to remove Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo from office.
Speaking to journalists in Accra yesterday, Wednesday, April 16, 2025, Afenyo-Markin expressed grave concerns regarding the petitions filed seeking the Chief Justice’s removal. He alleged that certain individuals within the current government are orchestrating these actions, aiming to undermine the independence of the judiciary.
Following an emergency National Executive Committee meeting, where the Oquaye Committee presented its report, Afenyo-Markin called on judges across the country to resist any efforts to oust the Chief Justice.
“We are deeply concerned about the actions of certain individuals within the government who are pushing for the removal of the Chief Justice. The judiciary must not be perceived as an extension of the political system in our country,” he stated.
“What we require is an impartial judiciary that can dispense justice fairly. What is currently happening is unacceptable. It is clear that the NDC government intends to infiltrate the judiciary and make it partisan. Therefore, I advise all judges across the country to stand together.
“If they succeed in dislodging one of you, you will all become targets. Judges in the country must stand as a unified body,” Afenyo-Markin warned.
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo is currently facing three separate petitions, filed between February 14 and March 17, 2025, alleging misconduct and incompetence. President John Dramani Mahama has since forwarded these petitions to the Council of State for advice, in accordance with the procedures outlined under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.
In response, the Chief Justice has requested copies of the petitions to enable her to prepare a defense. She has also expressed concern over the premature circulation of official correspondence related to the petitions on social media, even before the President had fully reviewed the matters.
Her office has emphasized that any move towards her removal must strictly adhere to the constitutional process to preserve the independence and integrity of Ghana’s judiciary.
This news is being closely followed by residents in Kumasi and across the Ashanti Region, given the importance of the judiciary and the political implications of these developments.
