Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has launched a sharp criticism against the Council of State, accusing the advisory body of playing a key role in what he describes as a politically-driven suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
Addressing the media hours after the development, he claimed the government, led by President John Mahama, is deliberately weakening the judiciary’s independence through calculated executive actions, supported by the Council.
Afenyo-Markin said the situation was alarming and posed a direct threat to constitutional governance, stressing that strategic appointments and interferences have become tools to consolidate control over the courts.
A leading member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Lawyer Frank Davies, has issued a strong warning over what he describes as a “systematic and determined assault” on the independence of Ghana’s judiciary, following the recent suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
Davies called on Ghanaians to rise above partisan interests and reflect deeply on what he called a national crisis facing the justice system.
“This is not a political fight. It is a direct challenge to the independence of the judiciary, and Ghanaians must speak up,” Davies said.
He urged citizens to ignore political insults and abusive rhetoric and instead pay attention to what he believes is a deliberate attempt to undermine the judiciary’s authority”
In response, a coalition of political parties including the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), National Democratic Party (NDP), and People’s National Party (PNP), has declared a nationwide protest scheduled for May 5.
According to the leaders, this demonstration will serve as a call to defend the rule of law, preserve judicial autonomy, and resist the creeping influence of political power over Ghana’s democratic institutions.
The PNP’s founder, Janet Nabla, added her voice, condemning the process that led to the Chief Justice’s suspension and accusing the President of breaching constitutional limits.
LPG leadership, also dissatisfied with the process, is demanding the removal of the probe chair handling the case, citing bias and lack of credibility.
Henry Nana Boakye, the NPP’s National Organiser, known popularly as Nana B, referenced a previous meeting where President Mahama allegedly expressed dissatisfaction with the judiciary, interpreting the recent action as part of a long-term plan to reshape the bench in favor of political interests.
The growing criticism from multiple political parties has intensified pressure on the Presidency and the Council of State, as public concern mounts over the stability and impartiality of Ghana’s judiciary. Organisers of the May 5 protest have called on civil society, faith-based groups, and the wider public to join them in what they describe as a crucial effort to safeguard the Constitution.
Story by: Bawa Musah
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