The leader of the People’s National Party (PNP), Janet Nabila, has sharply criticised President John Dramani Mahama’s recent National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving Service, arguing that a “National Day of Repentance” would have been more appropriate.
Addressing the press in Accra on Tuesday, July 1, Madam Nabila stated that the thanksgiving event felt misplaced given what she describes as ongoing attacks on the independence of the judiciary, particularly concerning the office of the Chief Justice.
“When your modus operandi is to punish your enemies, whether they commit a crime or not, and then you turn around that you are doing national thanksgiving, we know very well that they should have been celebrating a National Day of Repentance instead of a National Day of Prayer,” she asserted.
Nabila specifically referenced the controversial suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo by President Mahama, which has sparked widespread debate and concerns about judicial independence.
According to Nabila, attempts to portray the Chief Justice as unpopular are orchestrated and do not reflect the true sentiments of the Ghanaian people.
“Whatever you saw after the Chief Justice came out and delivered her speech… is not real,” she claimed, referring to public reactions following Chief Justice Torkornoo’s recent public statements where she rejected calls for her resignation.
“Some particular paneling you see about five people, only one person is protecting the Chief Justice, the others are insulting her. What Ghanaians saw after the Chief Justice delivered her speech was not normal. It was orchestrated by some individuals to make it seem like Ghanaians do not support the Chief Justice. That is not true,” Nabila added.
She insisted that many Ghanaians appreciate the work of the Chief Justice and wish for her to remain in office.
Madam Nabila also raised concerns about what she described as a growing attempt by President Mahama to consolidate power across all arms of government.
“The President is having the executive power. He has the legislative power. Now he wants to take the judiciary in addition—and do what with all these powers?” she questioned.
“So, it means President Mahama is stepping on something. He has planned to do something and he’s looking for support from all other angles,” she added.
She cautioned against what she termed “political overreach” and urged Ghanaians to remain vigilant in protecting democratic institutions.
AS/VPO
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