NPP, Other Political Parties Petition Parliament Over Chief Justice’s Suspension
Opposition accuses President Mahama of undermining judicial independence, calls for immediate parliamentary action
- NPP and other parties petition Parliament to reverse Chief Justice Torkornoo’s suspension
- Minority Leader accuses President Mahama of judicial interference and power consolidation
- Parliamentary Clerk pledges to forward petition for Speaker’s consideration
A coalition of political parties, spearheaded by the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has officially petitioned Parliament, urging lawmakers to pressure President John Dramani Mahama to reinstate Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, following her controversial suspension.
During the petition’s submission, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin sharply criticized President Mahama, accusing him of undermining judicial independence by manipulating appointments for political gain — allegedly to smooth the path for a potential third-term bid.
Afenyo-Markin further warned that the president’s next target could be the Electoral Commission, predicting the appointment of a loyalist from the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) to lead the body.
He denounced what he described as government-led intimidation tactics designed to tilt the political playing field.
“This is a calculated assault on our constitutional democracy. We march today not out of partisanship, but patriotism — to resist emerging authoritarianism disguised as democracy,” Afenyo-Markin declared.
He appealed to Parliament to uphold constitutional values and protect judicial impartiality by supporting the coalition’s demands.
Clerk of Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, received the petition and assured the group that it would be forwarded to the Speaker, Alban Bagbin, for further consideration, pledging Parliament’s commitment to ensuring justice prevails.
