Source: tntnewspapergh.com

H.E. Maher Kheir
Dean of the Diplomatic Corps &
Ambassador of Lebanon to Ghana
Embassy of the Republic of Lebanon
No. 7 4th Circular Road, Cantonments
P.O. Box CT 3962, Cantonments
Accra, Ghana

May 30, 2025

PETITION TO INTERVENE IN THE SUSPENSION AND REMOVAL PROCESSES OF CHIEF JUSTICE GERTRUDE TORKONOO AND THE ATTACK ON POLITICAL OPPONENTS TO PROTECT THE INDEPENDENCE OF GHANA’S JUDICIARY AND MULTIPARTY DEMOCRACY

We, the undersigned Coalition of Political Parties in Ghana, respectfully write with a strong sense of urgency to draw your esteemed attention to a matter of critical international concern. Ghana, recognized as a symbol of democratic governance in West Africa, is currently facing a significant threat to the core of its democracy—the independence of the judiciary and multiparty democracy.

On April 22, 2025, President John Dramani Mahama, responding to three petitions, announced the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkonoo and initiated an inquiry through a five-member committee. While grounded in constitutional procedures, this action is widely viewed as part of a broader agenda to undermine and politically capture the judiciary—an institution that has steadfastly protected the rule of law and maintained checks and balances within Ghana’s democratic system over the decades.

Your Excellency, the president’s action must be viewed within the broader context of troubling political developments in the West African and Sahel regions. Since 2020, seven coups have rocked these areas, four of which were successful—Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger—each justified by the juntas on the grounds of economic hardship, insecurity, and failed governance. These nations, characterized by poverty, inadequate health systems, and low human development indicators, have seen their democratic fabrics torn apart, plunging them into deeper instability. Ghana has admirably stood apart from this tide, remaining committed to constitutional democracy, peaceful transitions of power, and the principle of separation of powers. It is this enviable record that now faces a real and present danger.

We recall with dismay that as far back as 2023, the then-flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Mahama, made statements indicating a clear intent to “balance out” the judiciary with partisan-aligned judges, accusing the previous government of appointing judges to protect its interests. These public pronouncements disrespect judicial officers’ integrity and competence and reveal a calculated plan to politicize the bench. His exhortation to NDC-aligned lawyers to position themselves for judicial appointments exposed an agenda to undermine the constitutional principle of impartial justice.

Your Excellency, recent events bear the unmistakable imprint of an agenda to politicize and undermine the independence of the judiciary. The suspension of the Chief Justice, swiftly followed by the nomination of seven new Supreme Court justices, strongly suggests a plan to restructure the Court in favor of President John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress, to the detriment of our democracy. This action compromises the delicate balance of powers enshrined in our Constitution and risks public trust in the judiciary as the last bastion of impartiality and fairness.

We, the Coalition of political parties, believe that the petitions against Chief Justice Torkonoo and her subsequent suspension represent a direct attack on the independence of the judiciary and a challenge to democratic governance. The integrity and autonomy of the judiciary are essential pillars of any effective democracy, and attempts to undercut them threaten Ghana’s democracy and the stability of the sub-region and beyond. Ghana’s standing as a beacon of democratic resilience is at risk, with potential consequences for peace and security that may ripple across the continent.

In addition to the government’s unholy attempt to weaken the judiciary, it has also focused on political opponents, particularly the New Patriotic Party (NPP). The recent arrests and harassment of NPP officials and appointees demonstrate a preconceived agenda to use executive power to intimidate political opponents under the guise of fighting corruption. These arrests reveal nothing more than a gross disregard for the rule of law and due process, as well as a violation of citizens’ fundamental human rights. President John Dramani Mahama’s goal is to silence political dissent and consolidate power, a condition imposed on Ghanaians by the NDC’s predecessor, the Provisional National Defense Council (PNDC). If President Mahama is not stopped, his actions will jeopardize Ghana’s democracy, peace, and development.

We respectfully appeal to your esteemed office and, through you, to the entire diplomatic corps in Ghana to urgently intervene and support us in defending judicial independence and the future of Ghana’s democracy. Specifically, we urge that you:

Urge the Government of Ghana to rescind the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo and reinstate her promptly.

Reinforce the expectation of the international community that Ghana will uphold the rule of law, respect judicial independence, and refrain from any form of political interference in the judiciary.

Mobilize diplomatic channels to closely monitor developments and, when necessary, issue joint statements supporting the independence of Ghana’s judiciary.

Engage in dialogue with civil society and political actors to ensure Ghana’s democratic institutions remain strong and free from undue political manipulation.

Urge the government to cease harassing, intimidating, and mistreating its political opponents, to align with our forebears’ commitment to strengthen multi-party democracy in Ghana.

Your Excellency, in conclusion, we would like to inform you about the steps we have taken regarding the removal of the Chief Justice from office. On May 5, 2025, the Coalition undertook a historic demonstration themed “SAVE THE JUDICIARY” to express the people’s displeasure with the proceedings. We used the occasion to petition the judiciary, legislature, and executive. To date, we have not received any response or seen any change in the stance of the President and his government. We have attached the three petitions for your review.
We trust your dedication to democratic principles and hope your leadership will motivate swift and effective action to strengthen Ghana’s judiciary.

Please accept the assurances of our utmost respect.

Respectfully submitted,
Coalition of Political Parties
New Patriotic Party (NPP)
National Democratic Party (NDP)
Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG)
People’s National Party (PNP)