Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has raised strong concerns over what he calls a dangerous affront to Ghana’s democracy following the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo by President John Mahama.
Speaking at a demonstration organised by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and allied groups on Monday, May 5, Afenyo-Markin warned that the move threatens the sanctity and independence of the judiciary, describing it as “a negative reset.”
“The judiciary is supposed to be a neutral actor in this democratic discourse. The judiciary is our last hope, and we believe that what is happening undermines our democracy and the rule of law,” he declared.
He further accused the Council of State of dereliction, stating that it failed to stand its ground when the Chief Justice came under what he termed a politically motivated attack.
“For the Chief Justice to be singled out for this unfortunate attack… the Council of State has failed the country.
“We want you as an institution to put aside your individual differences and know that it is your institution that is under attack. Maybe today it is Torkornoo, tomorrow it might be you,” he cautioned.
In a pointed critique of the executive, Afenyo-Markin said, “You don’t serve at the whims and caprices of a political party and a government.
“If you wanted to be a politician, you would have been in a political party,” adding that the treatment of the Chief Justice is “repugnant to good conscience.”
