Omanhene Kwabena Asante and Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo
Broadcast journalist Omanhene Kwabena Asante has condemned the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Torkornoo by President John Mahama.
According to a statement signed by the Spokesperson to the President and Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the suspension follows the establishment of a prima facie case against the Chief Justice by the President, in consultation with the Council of State, in relation to three petitions filed against Justice Torkornoo.
“President John Dramani Mahama has, in accordance with Article 146(6) of the Constitution and in consultation with the Council of State, determined that a prima facie case has been established in respect of three petitions against the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo,” the statement, dated Tuesday, April 22, 2025, stated.
The statement said, the President has also established a five-member committee, in compliance with constitutional provisions, to inquire into the petitions, which have been referred to the committee.
But commenting on the issue on Asempa FM, monitored by GhanaWeb on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, Omanhene Kwabena Asante stated that the suspension sets a dangerous precedent that could embolden future governments to remove public officers they are uncomfortable with.
“I feel that we have still not understood what we are doing to ourselves as a nation. The NDC has always had plans to remove the Chief Justice, so her suspension by the President is no surprise. I want Ghanaians to understand that there are no longer any public offices protected by the Constitution. Going forward, any future government will find a reason to remove the next Chief Justice. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission is next. That could very well be the next move.”
“Every Ghanaian should bear in mind that we are practicing a dysfunctional democracy. What we are witnessing now as a country did not start today, but we are solidifying it. If you hold a political appointment, know that even if you remain in office for eight years, the next government may remove you.”
“What we are essentially saying now is that political appointments are coterminous with the term of the President. I think it would be better to make that official—so that when you are appointed, you know your tenure ends with the appointing authority. We are deepening the dysfunctionality of our democracy. Hatred and bitterness are building up.”
John Mahama and the NDC have set a very bad precedent of which the country obviously is going to be at the mercy of that. Sad day for mother Ghana 😢😢 pic.twitter.com/aULeP24xZa
— Harrydarling💖 (@AcheampongHarry) April 22, 2025
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