National Democratic Congress (NDC) Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has dismissed claims that the Mahama-led administration is attempting to remove suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo from office.
Known popularly as General Mosquito, Mr. Nketia explained that the executive has not taken any action to oust the Chief Justice but is focused on fulfilling its constitutional mandate.
“The executive has done nothing regarding the removal of the Chief Justice,” he told Accra-based Citi TV. “If anything at all, the executive is only fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities. To my knowledge, there has been no deliberate move to push her out.”
His comments come amid public debate over perceived tensions between the judiciary and other state institutions. Addressing these concerns, Mr. Nketia emphasized that judicial independence is not under threat.
“The judiciary is not being attacked. What we are witnessing is a reform of state institutions,” he said. “Where there are challenges within the judiciary, reforms are necessary to ensure the institution can properly discharge its constitutional role.”
He added that institutional reforms are essential for strengthening democracy, noting that each arm of government must operate effectively within its constitutional boundaries.
On April 22, 2025, President John Dramani Mahama suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo after a prima facie case was established from three petitions alleging misconduct and incompetence.
Under Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution, the president may suspend a Supreme Court judge upon such a case and, in consultation with the Council of State, appoint a committee to investigate. Following this provision, President Mahama set up a five-member panel chaired by Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, with members including Justice Samuel Adibu-Asiedu, former Auditor-General Daniel Yaw Domelevo, Major Flora Bazaanura Dalugo, and Professor James Sefah-Dzisah.
Justice Torkornoo is currently challenging her suspension and potential removal at the ECOWAS Court of Justice. She has stated that resignation is not an option and intends to pursue all legal avenues to seek justice.
Source: Adomonline
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