'One concluded petition out of three used to dismiss CJ Torkornoo, we are mourning democracy' — Afenyo-Markin

Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has launched a fierce criticism of the removal of Justice Gertrude Torkornoo from her position as Chief Justice and as a Justice of the Supreme Court, describing the action as a direct assault on Ghana’s democracy.

Speaking to journalists in Akwatia on Tuesday, Afenyo-Markin questioned the integrity of the process that led to her dismissal. He argued that the committee chaired by Justice Gabriel Pwamang failed to complete its work before pronouncing judgment.

“We are mourning democracy,” he declared. “You claim that you have charges against the Chief Justice. You are done with count one, counts two and three are not concluded, and then you dismiss the person. That is the work of the Pwamang Committee? That is what Pwamang did as a judge?”

His concerns have been echoed by former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Nii Ayikoi Otoo, who insisted that Justice Torkornoo had committed no wrongdoing. According to him, the committee disregarded established judicial travel policies in its assessment of allegations linked to her entitlements.

The removal of Justice Torkornoo has deepened political tensions, with critics warning that it risks undermining judicial independence and eroding public confidence in Ghana’s democratic institutions.