Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has criticised President John Dramani Mahama for what he describes as an unjustifiable attempt to undermine Ghana’s democratic institutions by pursuing the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
“I think this president is taking an intended or unintended aim at the core of our democracy. This whole business of trying to remove the Chief Justice cannot be apologized for, and nobody can convince me that it makes any democratic sense, in terms of the practice and the furtherance of democracy in our country,” Ahiagbah stated during an appearance on The Big Issue on Channel One TV.
Ahiagbah emphasized that the attempt, in his view, lacks justification and threatens the democratic framework that ushered Mahama into power.
“Removing the Chief Justice does not make any rational sense. On that account, I will say that his administration has performed poorly on that score. What brought them into power is the democracy, and if they are aiming to affect that, for me, it cannot be excused,” he added.
His remarks come amid heightened political and legal discussions surrounding President Mahama’s recent decision to refer a petition for the Chief Justice’s removal to the Council of State, in line with constitutional provisions.
The Chief Justice has since responded to the move, officially requesting access to the full content of the petitions filed against her.
President Mahama has responded by allowing Chief Justice Torkornoo ten days to submit her written defence, a timeline that underscores the urgency and gravity of the matter.
