The People’s National Party (PNP) has submitted a formal petition to His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, urging his intervention in what the party describes as the “unlawful suspension and human rights abuses” against Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo.
In the petition, PNP accused President John Dramani Mahama of orchestrating a politically motivated campaign to remove the Chief Justice, allegedly in fulfillment of a campaign promise to “equalize” the judiciary, which he claimed had been packed with New Patriotic Party (NPP) loyalists.
Chairperson and Leader of the party, Janet Asana Nabla implored the Asantehene, as a revered moral authority, to intervene in what she termed a “dangerous precedent” undermining judicial independence and the rule of law. She alleged that the Chief Justice has been subjected to degrading treatment, including being “searched like a criminal,” denied family support during proceedings, and forced to appear before a committee chaired by a known rival.
“The treatment of Chief Justice Torkornoo is not just an attack on her, but on every Ghanaian woman and our democracy. If a woman of her stature can be humiliated this way, what message does it send to young girls who aspire to serve this nation?” Nabla asked.
The petition further claimed that President Mahama’s actions were driven by political vendetta, citing his public remarks about restructuring the judiciary. Nabla argued that the suspension lacked credible justification and that the investigative process was compromised by bias.
“Appointing a critic of the Chief Justice to investigate her is a blatant violation of natural justice. This is not democracy; it is persecution,” Madam Janet said.
PNP called on Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to intervene and ensure the immediate reversal of the Chief Justice’s suspension.
She emphasized the historic role of traditional leaders in safeguarding justice, stating, “Ghanaians will die for their chiefs before they die for a politician. Your Majesty, we need your voice now more than ever.”
The petition framed the issue as a critical test for Ghana’s constitutional democracy, warning that allowing such actions to go unchecked would embolden future abuses of power.
“If Chief Justice Torkornoo; a woman of integrity and 35 years of service can be treated this way, then no public servant is safe,” Madam Janet declared.
