A coalition of political parties led by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has formally petitioned the Judiciary to intervene in what they describe as the “unjust” suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, calling on the bench to impress upon President John Dramani Mahama to reverse the decision.
The petition was submitted on Monday, May 5, during the “Save the Judiciary” demonstration at the Supreme Court in Accra.
Addressing the gathering, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin urged the Judicial Service and its leadership to stand firm in defense of judicial independence.
He cautioned senior officials, including the Acting Chief Justice and Acting Judicial Service Secretary, against complacency, warning that what affects one judicial figure today could set a precedent that affects others tomorrow.
“For the Judiciary to rise, don’t be comfortable because it is Torkornoo. Don’t be comfortable because you have your own grievances or a party interest,” Afenyo-Markin said. “Rather, pray that a fair system is created for all to benefit.”
He condemned the emerging trend of targeting high-ranking judges with each change in political administration, arguing that such actions only breed division and mistrust within the judiciary.
Responding on behalf of the Judicial Service, Acting Secretary Dr. Cyracus Badinye Bapuuroh thanked the delegation for their peaceful engagement and assured them that the petition would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities for consideration.
The suspension of Chief Justice Torkornoo has triggered fierce political and legal debate, with civil society and opposition groups raising concerns over its implications for the independence and credibility of the judiciary.
