The Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has accused the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) of orchestrating an unprecedented attack on Ghana’s judiciary amid ongoing proceedings against suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Big Issue on Saturday, June 28, Mr. Ahiagbah warned that if the NDC succeeds in removing Justice Torkornoo and appointing a replacement, it would mark a dangerous precedent in the country’s democratic history.

This Chief Justice matter, the NDC will go down in history as the most judicially oppressive regime, one that took our judiciary over, subjugated it, if they conclude this process and therefore appoint a CJ to replace Madam Gertrude Torkornoo,” he said.

He described the situation as “unheard of,” arguing that such action should only be considered where there is compelling evidence of gross misconduct or incapacity to carry out the duties of the office.

“It is unheard of that a president would go as far as they are seeking to go in the absence of very compelling, clear-cut evidence of misconduct, or incapacity to perform or execute the task of the office of the CJ.”

In response, Minister of State in charge of government communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, firmly rejected claims that the proceedings are politically motivated.

Addressing the matter following a public statement by Justice Torkornoo on June 25, Mr. Kwakye emphasised that the process is being carried out in accordance with Ghana’s constitutional provisions and not driven by partisan interests.

“It does not matter how sensitive your position is; once Ghanaian law dictates that certain processes must be taken in respect of alleged misconduct, the rules must come into play. That is the only guiding principle President Mahama has operated by in all of this,” he explained.

Mr. Ofosu stated that suggestions of political interference were false and without basis.

“Any claim, reference, or imputation of a political motive to the President in respect of these processes is unfounded, false, and cannot be allowed to stand,” he said.