The People’s National Party (PNP) has condemned President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to refer petitions seeking the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo to the Council of State.
According to the PNP, this move threatens judicial independence and establishes a dangerous precedent, noting that previous administrations have cooperated with Chief Justices despite political differences.
In a statement, PNP Chairperson and Leader Janet Asana Nabla criticized Mahama’s actions, calling them a betrayal of women’s empowerment.
“This action is yet another betrayal of the very women President Mahama promised to empower. His pledge to implement the Affirmative Action Law and ensure 30% representation of women in his government has been abandoned. Instead of delivering on this promise, he is actively seeking ways to remove those who were already there before his tenure.
“Since assuming office, instead of focusing on delivering his manifesto promises to improve the lives of Ghanaians, President Mahama has been fixated on the Chief Justice and the Electoral Commissioner. His actions suggest that his priority is not governance but manipulating the system to secure victory in the 2028 elections or, worse, to set the stage for his own return after exhausting his two-term limit,” the statement read.
The PNP further emphasised that women in leadership have worked tirelessly to earn their positions, and any attempt to remove them for political reasons is both partisan and self-serving. The party called on Ghanaians to rise against such actions, warning that history would remember Mahama as the only president who attempted to remove a Chief Justice to appease his party.
As part of its governance agenda, the PNP pledged to reduce the excessive powers of the presidency within its first month in office. The party committed to implementing constitutional reforms proposed by credible institutions such as the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) rather than forming partisan committees that would delay the process.
“The PNP remains committed to a governance system that is transparent, inclusive, and fair. We urge all Ghanaians to reject any attempts by the NDC Mahama administration to undermine democracy and women’s progress in leadership for their partisan interests.”
