The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has vehemently criticized President Nana Akufo-Addo and Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo, accusing them of undermining judicial independence through what they deem an “unconstitutional” recommendation to appoint new Supreme Court judges.
In a strongly-worded statement released today, the NDC condemned the recent move by Chief Justice Torkonoo to advise President Akufo-Addo to nominate five new judges to the Supreme Court.
According to the opposition party, this action represents a blatant attempt by the Executive to exert undue influence over the judiciary, compromising its impartiality and integrity.
“The blatant unconstitutional actions of President Akufo-Addo and Chief Justice Torkonoo are not just political manoeuvres. They are a direct assault on our judicial independence and the very soul of our democracy,” declared Fiifi Kwetey, the General Secretary of the NDC, during a press conference.
Kwetey further highlighted the potential dangers of such actions, suggesting that they could transform Ghana’s judiciary into a mere extension of the Executive branch, used for political purposes rather than upholding justice.
“Imagine a Ghana where the Judiciary becomes a tool for political retribution rather than justice. This is not the Ghana we pledged to fight for,” he added, underscoring the NDC’s commitment to preserving democratic principles and judicial autonomy.
The NDC’s criticism stems from Chief Justice Torkonoo’s letter to President Akufo-Addo dated May 30, 2024, wherein she recommended the appointment of five new judges to the Supreme Court.
Among the nominees is Justice Afia Serwaa Asare Botwe, who currently presides over the contentious ambulance procurement trial involving Ato Forson and others.
As the debate intensifies, the NDC has called upon Chief Justice Torkonoo to retract her recommendation, urging her to uphold the principles of judicial independence enshrined in Ghana’s constitution. The opposition party remains vigilant in its stance against any actions that could undermine the judiciary’s role as a pillar of democracy in Ghana.