Judiciary in Crosshairs – Afenyo-Markin Slams NDC’s “Dangerous Reset”

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has fiercely denounced the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo by President John Mahama, branding the decision a “negative reset” that endangers judicial independence and democratic stability.

Addressing a protest organized by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and allied groups on Monday, May 5, Afenyo-Markin accused the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) of orchestrating a politically motivated attack on the judiciary. He warned that such actions, if left unchecked, could erode the foundations of Ghana’s democracy.

“The judiciary is our last line of defense. What is happening is not just an affront to one individual, but a threat to our entire democratic structure,” he stated. He urged members of the judiciary to resist political manipulation and remain impartial guardians of justice.

Afenyo-Markin lambasted the petitions that initiated the suspension process, dismissing them as “flimsy and pedestrian,” and criticized the Council of State for entertaining what he called a “misguided” attempt to oust the Chief Justice. “The Council of State has failed us. Today it is Torkornoo—tomorrow it could be you,” he warned judicial officers.

He further accused the government of hypocrisy for previously opposing the Supreme Court’s expansion, yet later appointing seven judges through what he described as dubious methods.

“This so-called reset is nothing but a regression. It’s not about reform—it’s retribution,” he said.

Afenyo-Markin also cautioned against perpetuating cycles of political revenge. “If we continue this tit-for-tat culture, our democracy won’t survive. We must break the chain of bitterness,” he said, urging judicial staff to look beyond short-term political promises and consider the long-term implications for justice and governance.