The Member of Parliament for Bantama and former Minister for Roads and Highways, Francis Asenso-Boakye, has sharply criticised President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to remove Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo from office, calling it a reckless and politically motivated move that threatens Ghana’s democratic foundations.
In a strongly worded Facebook post on Tuesday, Asenso-Boakye alleged that the removal was part of a calculated plan orchestrated by the government, rather than a constitutional process motivated by justice.
“President Mahama’s sacking of the Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo is no accident — it was a long-planned scheme, executed with precision. This reckless move shatters judicial independence and strikes at the heart of our democracy,” he wrote.
The MP argued that the precedent set by the removal could undermine judicial independence and embolden future political interference in the judiciary.“If a Chief Justice can be removed on flimsy grounds, no judge will feel secure enough to uphold the Constitution.
This is not just an attack on one individual, it is an assault on the very foundation of our Republic.”
Asenso-Boakye urged Ghanaians to speak out against what he described as efforts to weaken state institutions and erode the rule of law.“Ghana has come too far to let the Rule of Law be hijacked. We must resist every attempt to weaken our institutions. Ghana deserves better,” he concluded.
Asenso-Boakye urged Ghanaians to speak out against what he described as efforts to weaken state institutions and erode the rule of law.“Ghana has come too far to let the Rule of Law be hijacked. We must resist every attempt to weaken our institutions. Ghana deserves better,” he concluded.
His comments come a day after President Mahama, acting on the recommendations of a constitutionally mandated committee, removed Chief Justice Torkornoo following findings of “stated misbehaviour” under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.
While the presidency insists the removal followed due process, critics like Asenso-Boakye argue that it signals a troubling politicisation of the judiciary.
