NPP Communications Director Criticizes Mahama Over Chief Justice Removal Bid

Richard Ahiagbah, Director of Communications for Ghana’s New Patriotic Party (NPP), has accused President John Mahama of jeopardizing democratic institutions by pursuing the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Big Issue, Ahiagbah argued the move lacks justification and threatens Ghana’s democratic foundations.

“Attempting to remove the Chief Justice makes no rational sense for our democracy,” Ahiagbah stated. “The same democracy that brought Mahama to power is now at risk if such actions proceed unchecked.” He described the effort as indefensible, emphasizing that it reflects poorly on Mahama’s administration.

Mahama recently referred a petition for Torkornoo’s removal to the Council of State, adhering to constitutional protocols. The Chief Justice has formally requested access to the petition details to prepare her defense, while Mahama granted her ten days to submit a written response, signaling the case’s urgency.

The controversy highlights tensions over judicial independence in Ghana’s political landscape. Under the 1992 Constitution, removing a Chief Justice requires parliamentary approval based on proven misconduct or incapacity, a process designed to shield the judiciary from partisan interference. Historical precedents, such as the 2003 removal process involving Justice George Kingsley Acquah, underscore the rarity and gravity of such actions.

Ahiagbah’s criticism aligns with broader concerns about preserving institutional checks and balances. Analysts note that while leaders have the right to initiate constitutional procedures, doing so without clear justification risks eroding public trust in governance structures. The Chief Justice’s role in overseeing electoral disputes and upholding rule of law adds significance to the debate.

As legal experts and civil society groups monitor developments, the outcome could set a precedent for how Ghana balances executive authority with judicial autonomy. For now, the discourse underscores the delicate interplay between political power and democratic safeguards in maintaining national stability.