By Marlvin-James Dadzie
Advocacy for Citizens Ghana (ACG), a pro-democracy pressure group, is accusing the Mahama-led administration of scheming to subject the judiciary to political control and manipulation following the suspension of Chief Justice (CJ) Gertrude Torkornoo.
In a statement issued in Accra on Thursday, the group said the independence of the judiciary is safeguarded by the constitution therefore any attempt to undermine this independence must be resisted by all well-meaning Ghanaians.
Citing articles 125 (1), (3) and 127 (1) to buttress its points, the group argues that the suspension of the CJ is a deliberate attempt to undermine these provisions, maintaining that the judiciary cannot be subject to political control and manipulation.
ACG is of the view that Chief Justice Torkornoo is deliberately being persecuted by the current administration because she was appointed to the position by the previous Akufo-Addo administration.
“The Judiciary must not be subjected to political manipulation or punished because the appointing president is no longer in power. Ghana’s democracy thrives when institutions remain neutral, independent, and protected from the ebb and flow of political tides”, the statement said.
It said “Allowing the removal of the Chief Justice via a petition under Article 146(1)—allegedly initiated by sympathizers of the ruling government—would not only be unjust but would also erode public trust in the judicial system. Such actions threaten to reduce the Judiciary to a partisan tool and risk aligning its tenure with that of the Executive, in direct violation of constitutional safeguards”.
“For over 30 years, the Judiciary has played a crucial role in preserving Ghana’s democratic integrity, ensuring fair trials, and maintaining the rule of law. Undermining this institution jeopardizes the stability and future of the Fourth Republic”, the statement said.
“ACG urges all stakeholders—especially the Ghana Bar Association and the Justices of the Supreme Court—to speak out against any attempt to compromise the Judiciary’s independence. The integrity of our constitutional democracy depends on upholding the rule of law above all political interests”, the statement added.
It would be recalled that President Mahama in a statement on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, announce the suspension of Chief Justice Torkornoo in accordance with article 146 (1) of the 1992 constitution.
Her suspension followed consultations between President Mahama and the Council of State, after the establishment of a prima facie case arising from three separate petitions submitted against her.
Many have described the content of the petitions as frivolous and politically motivated as they lack proper grounds to warrant the removal of a CJ from office.
