The Kwadaso Member of Parliament and former deputy education minister, Professor Kingsley Nyarko, has accused President John Dramani Mahama of orchestrating a “judicial coup d’état.”
The law maker’s fury is being ignited by the sudden dismissal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, describing it as a firestorm of political controversy and attack on democracy in Ghana.
Professor Kingsley Nyarko, in a blistering attack, condemned the removal, stating, “This removal is a blot on our democracy. It dangerously undermines the independence of the judiciary and erodes public trust in governance.”
He characterized the move as displaying “dictatorial and tyrannical tendencies” on the part of the President.
The Presidency has defended the decision, asserting that it followed due process after a judicial inquiry.
However, this explanation has failed to quell the outrage from opposition figures, legal experts, and segments of civil society, who argue that the inquiry process was flawed and poses a significant threat to the independence of the judiciary.
The controversy has deepened existing divisions within Parliament.
Members of Parliament, especially those in the minority side are reportedly considering legal action to challenge the Chief Justice’s dismissal, raising the specter of a looming constitutional showdown.
Professor Kingsley Nyarko’s forceful condemnation highlights escalating concerns about the state of Ghana’s democratic institutions.
The Chief Justice’s removal has since been met with varied reactions, with most of them being a condemnation.
Notable personalities such as the Bantama MP Francis Asenso Boakye and the former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo have all come to the defense of the dismissed chief justice.
