Former Member of Parliament for Anyaa Sowutuom, Dr. Dickson Adomako Kissi, has clarified that the protest embarked on by a coalition of political parties led by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) was not centred on Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo as an individual, but rather on the broader implications for Ghana’s judicial independence.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Tuesday, May 6, Adomako Kissi warned that President John Dramani Mahama’s suspension of the Chief Justice could set a dangerous precedent that threatens the balance of power within Ghana’s democratic framework if left unchallenged.
“It is not really about the woman, it is about the position, and it is not about it being an NDC government. This protest is supposed to be a mark for Ghana to be very careful in the future because I envision every president now coming and wanting to nominate the Speaker of Parliament and change the Chief Justice,” he stated.
He added that such developments would undermine the principle of separation of powers, noting, “What we are trying to do is empower the executive more than the other arms of government. The independence of the Judiciary is at stake, and the checks and balances in our system ought to be looked at. What is at stake now is not necessarily the woman but the independence of the judiciary being thrown out.”
The former member of Parliament’s comments follow a demonstration held on Monday, May 5, by the NPP and a coalition of political parties against the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. Protesters marched through Accra, accusing the Mahama-led administration of undermining judicial autonomy and the rule of law.
The coalition has since submitted formal petitions to the Presidency, Parliament, and the Judiciary. The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, presented the petition to Deputy Chief of Staff in Charge of Operations, Stan Dogbe, at the Jubilee House.
The group urged President Mahama to rescind the suspension and protect the sanctity of Ghana’s democratic institutions.
