We will also remove your Chief Justice if we come to power – NPP tells Mahama

The Member of Parliament for Anyaa-Sowutuom, Emmanuel Tobbin, has sharply criticised President John Mahama over the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, warning that a future New Patriotic Party (NPP) government could take similar action in response.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Mr. Tobbin described the development as a dangerous precedent that threatens judicial independence and weakens public confidence in the rule of law.

“It is surprising how Mahama is ruling this country. Things are not going well. The only institution Ghanaians believed could deliver fairness has now been tampered with by removing the Chief Justice,” he said.

The Anyaa-Sowutuom MP alleged that the accusations against Justice Torkornoo were “fraudulent” and politically driven. He cautioned that the decision risks dragging the nation backward rather than moving it forward.

“When the NPP comes to power by God’s will, whoever President Mahama appoints as Chief Justice, we will also remove the person. Is that how we want to move forward as a country or backwards?” he asked.

Mr. Tobbin further warned that the decision could instill fear in the judiciary, making judges hesitant when handling politically sensitive cases.

“Now judges may sit in fear because if a ruling does not go in the President’s favour, they risk being removed,” he added.

Chief Justice Torkornoo was officially removed from office on September 1, 2025, after a Committee of Inquiry chaired by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Pwamang recommended her dismissal for stated misbehaviour.

The Committee had been set up under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution following a petition against her, which led to her suspension on April 22, 2025.

President Mahama, acting under Article 146(9), accepted the Committee’s recommendation, making Justice Torkornoo the first Chief Justice to be removed under this constitutional provision.

The decision has since divided opinion. Government officials argue that the process followed due diligence, while opposition figures maintain that it undermines the independence of the judiciary…CONTINUE MORE READING>>>