The Minority Caucus in Parliament has issued a strong-worded statement condemning what it describes as a “brazen judicial coup” following the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo by President John Dramani Mahama.
The statement, released in Accra, described the move as “a reckless abuse of executive power nd a direct assault on the independence of Ghana’s judiciary”.
According to the minority, the suspension—purportedly made under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution—came while legitimate legal challenges are still pending before the Supreme Court. They argue this timing represents a serious breach of due process.
“It is an unpardonable affront to the rule of law that the president has, in consultation with the Council of State, proceeded to suspend the chief justice while the Supreme Court is yet to rule on the constitutionality of the very process being used against her,” the statement reads in part.
“This is judicial overreach of the highest order, a textbook case of executive interference,” it added.
The Caucus further claimed the president’s actions are politically motivated, linking it to Mahama’s 2023 remarks in Akosombo, where he reportedly pledged to appoint judges aligned with the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
“This is not about accountability but about raw political control,” the statement asserted.
Drawing parallels with historical political interference in the judiciary, the minority likened the situation to the 1963 removal of Chief Justice Sir Arku Korsah under President Kwame Nkrumah.
Further, the minority pledged to resist what they perceive as an attack on judicial independence.
“Any further attempts to harass, intimidate, or unlawfully remove the Chief Justice will be met with fierce legal and public resistance.”
“The legal fraternity, civil society, and all defenders of democracy will not stand idly by while the judiciary is turned into an appendage of the executive.”
As part of its demands, the minority called for the immediate reinstatement of Chief Justice Torkornoo and a suspension of all removal proceedings until the Supreme Court concludes its review.
“The integrity of Ghana’s judiciary is non-negotiable. We shall vigorously oppose any and all attempts to turn our courts into political tools. Enough is enough,” the statement concluded.
