The Director of Communications of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has criticised the decision of the ECOWAS Court of Justice to dismiss claims brought by former Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, describing the ruling as disappointing and a setback for judicial independence.
In a statement on Facebook, Ahiagbah argued that the court’s decision raises concerns about the ability of regional judicial bodies to protect public officials from what he described as politically motivated actions.
“The decision by the ECOWAS Court of Justice to dismiss all claims filed by former Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo is deeply disappointing,” Ahiagbah said.
According to him, the circumstances surrounding the removal of Justice Torkornoo reflected an abuse of constitutional processes and an attack on the independence of the judiciary.
He claimed that the proceedings against the former Chief Justice were rushed and designed to reach a predetermined outcome, resulting in what he described as the public humiliation of one of the country’s highest judicial officers.
“Ghanaians must not forget what transpired. We saw an unprecedented and hurried process against Chief Justice Torkornoo, with a committee whose conclusion seemed predetermined before its proceedings concluded,” he wrote.
The NPP communications chief further accused the government of President John Dramani Mahama of undermining democratic institutions and weakening judicial independence.
“No ruling can erase what we, Ghanaians, witnessed. No legal technicality, however clever, can cover up the Mahama-NDC government’s overreach, abuse of power, and calculated plot to erode constitutional governance,” he claimed.
He argued that the removal of Justice Torkornoo had sent a worrying signal to judges and public officials that exercising independence could carry personal and professional risks.
Ahiagbah maintained that the issue extends beyond the former Chief Justice and reflects what he described as a broader pattern of executive interference in independent state institutions.
“All Ghanaians, regardless of political belief, must speak out against the systemic weakening of judicial independence. A weakened judiciary risks not only political opponents but every citizen.”
He also called on a future government to revisit the circumstances surrounding Justice Torkornoo’s removal and examine what he termed the injustice inflicted upon her.
“I sincerely hope that a future government will take all necessary steps to re-examine and address the clear injustice inflicted upon Justice Torkornoo,” he stated.
The NPP official urged Ghanaians to remain vigilant in defending judicial independence, warning that any weakening of the judiciary could have implications for the rights and freedoms of all citizens.
He further called on supporters of democratic governance to translate their concerns into political action ahead of the 2028 general elections, arguing that Ghana’s democratic institutions must be protected from partisan influence.
