Judiciary Must Stand Firm Against Political Pressure to Remove CJ – Afenyo-Markin

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has called on Ghana’s judiciary to unite and resist what he views as politically motivated efforts to remove Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo from office.

Speaking to journalists in Accra on April 16, Afenyo-Markin expressed deep concern over the petitions filed against the Chief Justice, suggesting that certain individuals within the government were behind the move to weaken the judiciary’s independence.

Addressing the media after an emergency National Executive Committee meeting, where the Oquaye Committee presented its findings, Afenyo-Markin urged judges across the country to stand strong in the face of these challenges.

“We are worried that certain individuals within government are pushing for the Chief Justice’s removal. The judiciary should remain independent, free from political influence,” he said.

“All we ask for is an impartial judiciary that serves justice fairly. What is happening is unacceptable, and it is clear that the NDC government seeks to politicize the judiciary. My advice to all judges is to stand together. If they can remove one of you, you may be next. The judiciary must remain united.”

Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo is currently facing three separate petitions filed between February 14 and March 17, 2025, alleging misconduct and incompetence. These petitions have been forwarded to the Council of State for advice, following the procedures under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.

In response, the Chief Justice has requested copies of the petitions to prepare her defense and raised concerns about the premature release of official documents related to the petitions on social media, even before the President has fully reviewed them.

Her office emphasized that any attempt to remove her must follow the constitutional process to safeguard the independence and integrity of Ghana’s judiciary.