Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has slammed the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo by President John Mahama, describing it as “a negative reset” that threatens the independence of Ghana’s judiciary.
Speaking at the #SaveTheJudiciary protest organised by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and allied political groups on Monday, May 5, the Effutu MP warned that the move undermines the country’s democratic foundations.
“The judiciary is supposed to be a neutral actor in this democratic discourse. What is happening undermines our democracy and the rule of law,” he said.
He questioned the motives behind the suspension and urged members of the judiciary to resist political interference.
According to him, the petitions that triggered the suspension were “flimsy” and “pedestrian,” accusing the Council of State of failing the nation by entertaining them.
“For the Chief Justice to be singled out for this unfortunate attack… the Council of State has failed the country,” he said. “Maybe today it is Torkornoo, tomorrow it might be you.”
He stressed that judicial officers must remain above partisan control.
“You don’t serve at the whims and caprices of a political party. If you wanted to be a politician, you would have joined a political party,” Afenyo-Markin stated. “What is happening is repugnant to good conscience.”
He also accused the Mahama administration of hypocrisy for criticising previous judicial appointments but now appointing seven Supreme Court judges under questionable processes.
“This reset is a negative reset,” he said.
Afenyo-Markin warned against a future of political vendettas.
“If this vicious cycle of ‘you did it to me, I will do it to you’ continues, there will be no hope for our democracy,” he cautioned.
He also urged judicial staff to reflect carefully on the consequences of silence in the face of political pressure.
“Don’t be too comfortable because today some government officials are promising you promotions. We will speak up for the sake of posterity,” he stressed.
By: Ekow Annan/newsalertgh.com
