A member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Communications Team, Hamza Suhuyini Sayibu, has stated that the party will not interfere in the decision-making process regarding three petitions seeking the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
President John Dramani Mahama has officially referred the petitions to the Council of State for advice, as required under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.
Speaking on TV3’s New Day on March 26, 2025, Hamza Suhuyini clarified that while the NDC had previously voiced concerns about the judiciary while in opposition, the party is not responsible for the petitions submitted to the President.
He emphasized that President Mahama is simply adhering to constitutional provisions.
“As for issues of political inclination, we all can run our commentaries on same, but the reality is that I will not run away from the fact that in opposition, as a major political party, the NDC had cause to complain about the conduct of the Judiciary and certain elements of the Judiciary,” he stated.
He also pointed out that one of the petitions, initially submitted by legal academic Prof. Kwaku Asare, predates the NDC’s return to power.
“When Prof. Asare first submitted his petition to the President, the NDC was not in power. It was President Akufo-Addo who was the sitting President then. What we are simply doing is continuing with petitions that have been presented to the Presidency and we are forwarding same.
“It does not mean that the NDC will intervene in influencing the outcome of these decisions, but it is important for people to know in the spirit of good governance… as a political party in opposition we had our concerns, but the NDC has not proceeded to present a petition to President Mahama to remove the Chief Justice,” he added.
A statement from the Presidency’s Communications Directorate on March 25, 2025, confirmed that the petitions were filed by individuals urging action against the Chief Justice.
Following constitutional procedure, President Mahama has referred the matter to the Council of State, which will now review the petitions and advise the President on the appropriate course of action.
The Council’s recommendation will guide the next steps in accordance with Ghana’s legal and constitutional framework.
Source: InsiderGH.com
