Richard Ahiagbah, the director of communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has denounced President John Dramani Mahama’s attempts to remove Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo from office, calling them a direct danger to Ghana’s democratic underpinnings.
Speaking on Saturday, April 19, on Channel One TV’s The Big Issue, Ahiagbah questioned the President’s decision’s consequences and intent, stating that it defies democratic governance’s logic.
“I think this president is taking an intended or unintended aim at the core of our democracy. This whole business of trying to remove the Chief Justice cannot be apologised for, and nobody can convince me that it makes any democratic sense, in terms of the practice and the furtherance of democracy in our country.
“Removing the Chief Justice does not make any rational sense. On that account, I will say that his administration has performed poorly on that score. What brought them into power is the democracy, and if they are aiming to affect that, for me, it cannot be excused,” he added.
His remarks coincide with the Chief Justice’s petition procedure receiving more political and legal attention.
In compliance with constitutional obligations, President Mahama formally decided to forward a petition for Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo’s removal to the Council of State.
The Chief Justice responded quickly to the action, formally requesting access to the petitions that were filed against her.
President Mahama gave the Chief Justice ten days to submit her written defense in response to her request.
According to credible sources, Chief Justice Torkornoo sent her response to the President and the Council of State before the deadline of April 7, 2025.
Now that the Chief Justice’s response has been formally filed, the Council of State is anticipated to start reviewing it in order to decide whether the petition has enough value to support additional action.
