PNP drags NDC to Asantehene

The People’s National Party (PNP) has formally appealed to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to intervene in what it views as a politically driven move by the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) government to remove suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Torkornoo from office.

The petition was presented at the Manhyia Palace on Tuesday, July 31, as part of the PNP’s effort to draw attention to what they consider a serious threat to Ghana’s judicial independence.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, PNP leader Janet Nabila strongly criticized the suspension of the Chief Justice, calling the situation “a political witch hunt.” She argued that the government, under President John Dramani Mahama, appears to be attempting to assert control over all three arms of government, and that this development poses a serious risk to Ghana’s democratic values.

“We came to Manhyia because we believe that when state institutions fail, traditional authorities must step in. As women, we are pained that a female Chief Justice is being treated this way. I was moved to tears listening to her account of her ordeal,” Nabila stated.

She also took issue with the timing of the suspension, noting that it happened on the same day as the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving. She suggested that the decision was at odds with the spirit of the day, which is meant to reflect unity, forgiveness, and national reflection.

“You cannot pray and give thanks to God while engaging in acts of vindictiveness. What Ghana needs now is a National Day of Repentance,” she said.

Addressing criticisms that the PNP has been selective in its advocacy—especially when it comes to high-profile removals like that of former Electoral Commission Chairperson Charlotte Osei—Nabila dismissed claims of bias or inconsistency. She insisted that her party’s stance on the matter is grounded in principle, not political affiliation.

The PNP concluded by calling on the Asantehene to use his influence as a respected traditional leader to ensure that the rule of law is upheld and that the judiciary remains independent and untarnished by political interference.