- Protesters argue the move undermines the rule of law and Ghana’s democratic institutions
- They expresses concern over potential executive overreach and erosion of separation of powers
- Petitions submitted to the Presidency, Parliament, and Judiciary calling for the suspension to be reversed
Former Member of Parliament for Anyaa Sowutuom, Dr. Dickson Adomako Kissi, has clarified that the recent protest led by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and a coalition of political parties was not aimed at Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo as an individual. Rather, it was a demonstration against what he described as a threat to the independence of Ghana’s judiciary.
Speaking on Breakfast Daily on Channel One TV on Tuesday, May 6, Dr. Adomako Kissi cautioned that President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to suspend the Chief Justice could set a troubling precedent. He warned that such actions, if unchallenged, might erode the separation of powers and shift the balance within Ghana’s democratic system.
“This is not about the woman, or about this being an NDC government. It’s about protecting the position and the institution,” he explained. “If this stands, I foresee a future where every new president will feel entitled to appoint a Speaker of Parliament or replace the Chief Justice at will.”
He stressed that this would risk concentrating too much authority in the executive branch and weaken the foundational checks and balances of the state. “The judiciary’s independence is what’s really at risk here, not just the position of one individual,” he emphasized.
Dr. Adomako Kissi’s remarks come in the wake of a demonstration held on Monday, May 5, in Accra. Organized by the NPP and allied political groups, the protest opposed the suspension of Chief Justice Torkornoo and accused the Mahama-led administration of interfering with judicial autonomy and undermining the rule of law.
As part of the protest, the coalition submitted formal petitions to the Presidency, Parliament, and the Judiciary. Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin presented the petition to Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Stan Dogbe, at the Jubilee House.
The coalition is calling on President Mahama to reverse the suspension and uphold the integrity of Ghana’s democratic institutions.
