Accra, Ghana — Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has firmly denied allegations that the government is orchestrating a scheme to remove suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo from office.
Speaking during an interview on Face to Face on Channel One TV on Tuesday, August 26, Mr. Nketiah emphasized that the executive branch has not taken any action toward removing the Chief Justice. He stated that the government is merely fulfilling its constitutional obligations, not engaging in any effort to interfere with the judiciary.
“The executive has done nothing toward the removal of the Chief Justice,” he stated. “If anything, they are simply upholding the Constitution. To the best of my knowledge, there is no initiative by the executive to oust her.”
His comments come amid widespread public debate and concern over perceived tensions between the judiciary and other arms of government. Some political commentators and civil society groups have suggested that recent events indicate growing political interference in judicial affairs.
Mr. Nketiah, however, rejected these claims, stressing that the current situation should be viewed in the context of institutional reforms rather than an attack on judicial independence.
“The judiciary is not under attack. What is happening forms part of a broader institutional reform agenda,” he explained. “Any concerns within the judiciary should be addressed through appropriate constitutional and legal mechanisms to ensure its effective functioning.”
He further underscored the importance of maintaining a balanced separation of powers, asserting that democratic governance relies on each arm of government operating within its constitutional limits.
Background
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo was suspended on April 22, 2025, by President John Dramani Mahama after a prima facie case was established based on three separate petitions alleging misconduct and incompetence.
According to Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution, once such a case is established and the President consults the Council of State, he is empowered to suspend a Supreme Court Justice and appoint a committee to conduct a formal investigation.
President Mahama complied with this provision by forming a five-member committee chaired by Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang. Other members of the committee include Justice Samuel Adibu-Asiedu, former Auditor-General Daniel Yaw Domelevo, Major Flora Bazaanura Dalugo, and Professor James Sefah-Dzisah.
During the investigative process, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, the most senior judge on the Supreme Court bench, has been appointed Acting Chief Justice.
The suspension has sparked significant controversy. The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) condemned the move, describing it as unconstitutional due to the absence of a Constitutional Instrument that should govern the President’s discretionary powers, as stipulated under Article 296.
Likewise, the Centre for Democratic Movement (CDM) criticized the composition of the investigative panel, citing concerns about political bias and lack of transparency. They argued that the process threatens judicial independence and undermines due process.
Chief Justice Torkornoo has strongly defended her position, describing her suspension as “arbitrary,” “cruel,” and in violation of the Constitution. She has refused to resign, insisting that stepping down would mean surrendering her right to a fair defense.
The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has also condemned the suspension, warning that it poses a serious threat to the foundations of Ghana’s democratic system.
Source: Citinewsroom
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