Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has vehemently denounced President John Mahama’s suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo, labeling the action as “a negative reset” that jeopardizes the autonomy of the judiciary.
During a protest on Monday, May 5, organized by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) alongside other supportive groups in response to President Mahama’s decision, Afenyo-Markin argued that efforts to dismiss the Chief Justice pose a significant threat to the nation’s democracy.
In his address, he questioned the motivations behind the suspension and urged members of the judiciary to maintain their independence from political pressures. “The judiciary is meant to be a neutral participant in our democratic dialogue. It represents our last bastion of hope, and we firmly believe that these actions undermine both our democracy and the rule of law,” he asserted.
He criticized the petitions that instigated the Chief Justice’s suspension, deeming them “flimsy” and “pedestrian,” and accused the Council of State of failing the nation by considering the three letters that called for her removal. “For the Chief Justice to be targeted in this unfortunate manner… the Council of State has let the country down. We urge you as an institution to set aside personal differences and recognize that your institution is under siege. Today it may be Torkonoo, but tomorrow it could be you,” he cautioned.
Afenyo-Markin emphasized the need for judicial officials to remain above partisan politics. “You are not here to serve at the discretion of a political party or a government. If you desired a political career, you would have joined a political party,” he stated, adding that the treatment of the Chief Justice is “repugnant to good conscience.”
He also accused the government of hypocrisy, pointing out its previous criticisms of the Supreme Court’s expansion while simultaneously appointing seven new judges under questionable circumstances. “The process for appointing judges to the Supreme Court has not been adhered to. Thus, this reset is indeed a negative reset,” he remarked, urging judicial staff to remain vigilant.
Afenyo-Markin further warned against the dangers of political retribution in the future. “I want to take this moment to remind the nation that we must put an end to bitterness. If we continue this vicious cycle of ‘you did it to me, so I will do it to you,’ there will be no hope left for our democracy,” he cautioned.
He alerted current judicial staff to the potential ramifications of such partisan actions, especially with the possibility of a new administration in 2028. “I urge all judicial service employees to think carefully about the future. Do not become complacent just because some government officials are promising you promotions; we will advocate for the sake of future generations,” he concluded.
