Resist attempts to remove Chief Justice – Minority Leader to Judiciary

Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader, has called on Ghana’s judiciary to stand together against what he calls politically driven efforts to unseat Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

On Wednesday, April 16, Afenyo-Markin spoke to reporters in Accra and voiced grave concerns about the petitions submitted to remove the Chief Justice. He said that some government officials were responsible for the action, which was intended to weaken the judiciary’s independence.

After the Oquaye Committee’s report was presented at an emergency National Executive Committee meeting, Afenyo-Markin urged judges nationwide to oppose attempts to remove the Chief Justice.

“We’re also concerned about certain individuals in government to push for the removal of the Chief Justice. The judiciary should not be seen as part of the political system in our country,” he stated.

“All we need is to have an impartial judiciary to dispense justice. What is happening is unacceptable. And it is clear that the NDC government wants to infiltrate the judiciary and make it partisan. But my advice to all the judges in the country is to stand together.

“After dislodging one of you, you will be the next. So, judges in the country must stand together. The judiciary must stand as one body,” Afenyo-Markin warned.

Three distinct petitions accusing Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo of misbehavior and incompetence were filed between February 14 and March 17, 2025. Following the procedures specified in Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, President John Dramani Mahama has since sent these petitions to the Council of State for advice.

To help her prepare a defense, the Chief Justice responded by asking for copies of the petitions. She has also expressed concern about the official letter about the petitions being circulated on social media before the President had had a chance to thoroughly assess the issues.

Her office has emphasized that in order to protect the independence and integrity of Ghana’s judiciary, any action taken to remove her must adhere properly to the constitutional process.

Source: Ghanatodayonline.com