Ghana’s democracy is under siege — Ahiagbah on CJ’s suspension

The National Communications Director of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has criticised the suspension of the Chief Justice, Gertrude Esaaba Torkornoo.

The NPP spokesperson described the move as an attempt to find fault where none exists.

In a social media post on Tuesday, April 22, Mr. Ahiagbah alleged that the next institution likely to face political interference is the Electoral Commission, warning that Ghana’s democracy is “under siege.”

“Finding faults where none exist. Next up is the Electoral Commission. Our democracy is under siege,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

This comes after President John Dramani Mahama suspended the Chief Justice of the Republic, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, with immediate effect.

The decision follows the President’s determination, in accordance with Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution and in consultation with the Council of State, that a prima facie case has been established in respect of three petitions filed against the Chief Justice.

A statement from the Presidency dated April 22 and signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State in Charge of Government Communications, announced that, in line with constitutional provisions, the President has also constituted a committee to inquire into the petitions.

The separate petitions were earlier submitted to the Council of State in line with Article 146(6) of the Constitution.

The Chief Justice formally responded to the petitions on April 7, meeting the deadline set by the President. However, the contents of the petitions and her response remain undisclosed.