Minority Raises Concerns Over Alleged Plot to Oust Chief Justice Torkornoo

The Minority in Parliament has sounded the alarm over what it describes as a disturbing and politically motivated attempt by the Executive to remove Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo from office.

Addressing a press conference in Accra, Member of Parliament for Suame and Legal Counsel for the Minority, John Darko, alleged that a petition has been submitted to the Council of State, aimed at undermining the Chief Justice and ultimately compromising the independence of the judiciary.

“We are deeply concerned about this spurious petition, which appears to be a calculated move to malign the Chief Justice, orchestrate her removal, and impose political control over the judiciary,” Hon. Darko stated.

Drawing chilling historical parallels, the MP referenced the 1982 abduction and murder of three High Court judges under the PNDC regime. “We must keep June 30th in mind,” he cautioned, further invoking cases such as Re-Akoto (1961), the Otchere case (1963), and other past judicial attacks to emphasize the dangers of undermining judicial independence.

He claimed that the National Democratic Congress (NDC), which he described as an offshoot of the PNDC, appears to be on a mission to dominate Ghana’s institutions, including the judiciary. “It seems they believe Ghanaians gave them a mandate to control society and our legal system,” he said.

Hon. Darko dismissed the allegations against Justice Torkornoo as baseless and without merit under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, which stipulates that a Chief Justice can only be removed on grounds of stated misbehaviour, incompetence, or infirmity of body or mind.

The petition reportedly accuses the Chief Justice of advising President Akufo-Addo on judicial appointments, presiding over an ex parte application involving the Speaker of Parliament, handling a contempt case, and misappropriating GH¢75,000—claims the Minority insists are unsubstantiated.

“How can a serious country, mindful of its past, entertain such loose and dangerous petitions?” Hon. Darko questioned.

He also sent a stern warning to any judges who might entertain or support what he termed an “unconstitutional” process to remove the Chief Justice. “To any judge who believes they must destroy Justice Torkornoo to rise, remember that posterity will judge you,” he said.

The Minority is calling on civil society, religious and traditional authorities, and the international community to speak out against what they believe is a direct threat to Ghana’s democratic foundations.

“This is the time our country needs you the most,” Darko urged. “The destruction of the Judiciary will mark the end of Ghana’s democratic experiment.”

Citing Article 125(1) of the Constitution, which states that “justice emanates from the people,” he called on the Ghanaian public to rise in defense of judicial independence and the rule of law.