Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, says the petitions submitted to President John Mahama seeking the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo are not based on strong or valid reasons.
Speaking at a press conference on April 16 after a National Executive Committee meeting of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Afenyo-Markin described the claims in the petitions as weak and unconvincing.
“These complaints are weak and ordinary. Looking at what has been said, you begin to wonder if these are serious enough reasons to remove a Chief Justice,” he stated.
Three individuals have submitted petitions to President Mahama requesting the Chief Justice’s removal. While the exact details have not been made public, the President has acted according to constitutional guidelines by forwarding the petitions to the Council of State for advice and asking Chief Justice Torkornoo to respond.
Afenyo-Markin urged judges of the Supreme Court not to allow themselves to be divided by political pressure.
“We know some people in government are trying to get the Chief Justice out of office. The judiciary must not become a tool for politics. All we need is a fair and independent judiciary,” he said.
He accused the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of attempting to politicize the judiciary and called on judges to stand united.
“Don’t allow anyone to make you think that removing one of you means you will be the next in line. That mindset is dangerous. Today it’s one person, tomorrow it could be you,” he warned.
He also urged the judiciary to issue a firm statement rejecting what he sees as political interference and called on the Ghana Bar Association and civil society groups to defend the independence of the courts.
Afenyo-Markin appealed to President Mahama to show leadership and avoid actions that could damage democratic institutions.
“This is President Mahama’s last time in office. He should focus on building a positive legacy. The aggressive voices in the NDC should be sidelined. If they keep trying to remove everyone, it will hurt our democracy,” he added.
