NPP-led coalition petitions Judiciary over suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo

A coalition of political parties, led by the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), has formally submitted a petition to the Judiciary, urging judicial authorities to intervene and prevail upon President John Dramani Mahama to reverse the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

The petition was presented during a brief ceremony, where Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin delivered a strong appeal to the Judicial Service staff, encouraging them to stand with the coalition in defense of judicial independence, justice, and fairness.

In his remarks, Afenyo-Markin cautioned senior judicial officials, including the Acting Chief Justice and the Acting Judicial Service Secretary, against complacency, noting that today's actions could set dangerous precedents for the future.

“For the Judiciary to truly rise, don’t be comfortable simply because it is Torkornoo who is affected,” he said. “You may have your own grievances or political affiliations, but this is a moment to adopt the attitude of ‘touch one, touch all.’ We must all advocate for a fair and transparent system that protects everyone equally.”

The Minority Leader further warned that the emerging trend of removing Chief Justices and Superior Court judges with changes in political leadership could deepen divisions and breed long-term resentment within the judicial system.

In response, Acting Judicial Service Secretary, Dr. Cyracus Badinye Bapuuroh, thanked the delegation for their concerns and assured them that the petition would be duly forwarded to the relevant authorities for review and action.

The petition marks a new chapter in the ongoing debate over judicial independence and political interference, with both legal and political observers closely watching how the matter will unfold.