Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has issued a strong call for solidarity within Ghana’s judiciary, urging judges to resist what he describes as politically driven efforts to remove Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo from office.
Speaking to journalists in Accra on Wednesday, April 16, Afenyo-Markin expressed grave concern over the recent petitions filed against the Chief Justice, alleging misconduct and incompetence. He accused certain elements within the government of orchestrating a campaign aimed at weakening the judiciary’s independence.
“We’re concerned about individuals in government pushing for the removal of the Chief Justice,” he stated. “The judiciary should not be seen as part of the political system. It must remain impartial to dispense justice fairly.”
His remarks came shortly after an emergency meeting of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) National Executive Committee, during which the Oquaye Committee presented its findings.
Afenyo-Markin urged members of the judiciary to stand united in defense of their institution, warning that the removal of one judge could set a dangerous precedent for others.
“Once they remove one of you, the rest become vulnerable. My advice to all judges is simple: stand together. The judiciary must stand as one body,” he cautioned.
Chief Justice Faces Multiple Petitions
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo is currently the subject of three separate petitions submitted between February 14 and March 17, 2025. These petitions, which allege misconduct and incompetence, have been forwarded to the Council of State by President John Dramani Mahama in accordance with Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.
In response, Justice Torkornoo has formally requested copies of the petitions to prepare her defense. She has also raised concerns about the premature release of official correspondence on social media before the President had fully acted on the matter.
Her office has maintained that any proceedings related to her potential removal must strictly follow constitutional procedures to safeguard the independence and integrity of the judiciary.
Afenyo-Markin’s comments reflect growing unease within the political landscape, as opposition figures and civil society groups continue to monitor developments surrounding the Chief Justice’s case.
