Assin South MP John Ntim Fordjour has leveled serious allegations against President John Mahama, claiming the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo stems from personal animosity rather than constitutional due process.
The opposition lawmaker’s social media broadside has reignited debate about the separation of powers in Ghana’s democracy.
Fordjour’s critique centers on what he describes as a pattern of politically motivated actions by the administration. “The President’s determination to remove the Chief Justice reveals a disturbing disregard for judicial independence,” the MP stated on platform X. His remarks reference the controversial suspension that has dominated national discourse since its announcement last week.
The parliamentary representative framed the judiciary issue within broader governance concerns, citing alleged political dismissals of public sector workers and reported harassment of opposition figures. While not providing specific evidence for these ancillary claims, Fordjour positioned them as part of what he termed Mahama’s “reset agenda” – a phrase likely to fuel ongoing political rhetoric.
Legal scholars remain divided on the constitutional merits of the Chief Justice’s suspension. Some note that Article 146 of Ghana’s constitution grants the president authority to initiate judicial misconduct proceedings, while others question whether established procedures were fully observed in this case. The Judicial Council has yet to issue its statutory recommendation on the matter.
Fordjour’s appeal to civil society and diplomatic actors reflects growing unease among opposition figures about the suspension’s implications. His dramatic plea to “save our democracy” echoes language used during Ghana’s 2016 electoral crisis, suggesting opposition forces may be testing narratives for the upcoming electoral cycle.
The presidency has not directly responded to Fordjour’s allegations, though government spokespersons previously characterized the Chief Justice’s suspension as a routine constitutional process. As Ghana’s legal community awaits the Judicial Council’s next steps, the controversy threatens to overshadow critical parliamentary business, including upcoming debates on economic recovery measures and anti-corruption legislation.
This unfolding constitutional debate occurs against the backdrop of heightened political tensions, with both major parties positioning themselves ahead of the 2024 general elections. The Chief Justice suspension has inadvertently become a litmus test for Ghana’s institutional resilience, with domestic and international observers closely monitoring whether established checks and balances will prevail.
