The Member of Parliament for Anyaa-Sowutuom, Emmanuel Tobbin, has strongly criticized President John Mahama over the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, warning that a future New Patriotic Party (NPP) government could take similar action if voted into power.
In an interview on Ekosii Sen on Asempa FM, Mr. Tobbin described the move as a “dangerous precedent” that threatens judicial independence and undermines public trust in Ghana’s justice system.
“It is surprising how Mahama is ruling this country. Things are not going well. The only institution Ghanaians believed could deliver fairness has now been tampered with by removing the Chief Justice,” he said.
The legislator claimed the allegations against Justice Torkornoo were “fraudulent” and politically motivated, arguing that the decision risks setting the country backwards rather than forward.
He cautioned that such a precedent could easily invite retaliation:
“When the NPP comes to power by God’s will, whoever President Mahama appoints as Chief Justice, we will also remove the person. Is that how we want to move forward as a country or backwards?” he asked.
Mr. Tobbin further expressed concern that the decision could instill fear among judges, especially when presiding over politically sensitive cases.
“Now judges may sit in fear because if a ruling does not go in the President’s favour, they risk being removed,” he warned.
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo was officially removed from office on September 1, 2025, after a Committee of Inquiry chaired by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Pwamang recommended her dismissal for stated misbehavior.
The Committee, established under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, investigated a petition filed after her suspension on April 22, 2025. President Mahama, bound by Article 146(9), accepted the recommendation, making Justice Torkornoo the first Chief Justice to be dismissed under this constitutional provision.
The decision has since sparked heated debate. While government officials defend the process as lawful and thorough, opposition figures argue it undermines judicial independence and sets a troubling precedent for Ghana’s democracy.
source: myjoyonline
