The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority in Parliament has been urged to exercise caution and objectivity in its response to the recent suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. According to the Deputy Director of Elections of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mahdi Jibril, President John Dramani Mahama has acted within his constitutional mandate by directing a committee to investigate petitions submitted by concerned citizens.
Speaking on the Adekyee Mu Nsem morning show on Ahotor 92.3 FM, hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra, Jibril described the NPP’s reaction as “surprising, bizarre, and unfortunate.”
“It’s as though the Minority is reacting based on their party’s internal constitution rather than the national constitution,” he said.
Jibril criticized the NPP for prematurely predicting the outcome of the committee’s work and questioned why the party has taken such a strong stance on a process that is, in his view, a routine constitutional matter. He stressed that President Mahama has not violated any provisions of the constitution.
“It’s disturbing to see the NPP showing such intense interest in this process. What exactly are they afraid of?” Jibril asked. “The petition submitted to the President has nothing to do with the NDC, yet the NPP is acting as though we orchestrated it.”
In a related development, former Ambassador to the Netherlands, Dr. Tony Aidoo, also defended the President’s decision, stating that President Mahama was simply fulfilling his constitutional role as Head of State.
According to Dr. Aidoo, the President acted upon receiving petitions calling for the Chief Justice’s removal and, in accordance with due process, consulted the Council of State and formed a five-member committee to investigate the allegations.
“President Mahama has exercised his discretion appropriately,” Dr. Aidoo noted. “This is his constitutional duty, and he is well within his rights.”
He also dismissed criticism from opposition figures who have called for the President to publicly explain his decision.
“Why should the President be expected to give reasons for executing his constitutional powers?” Dr. Aidoo asked. “The constitution says he shall perform this duty, and he may do so using his discretion. That’s exactly what he’s done.”
While the political debate around the suspension continues, legal and constitutional experts stress the importance of upholding due process and ensuring that political commentary does not compromise the integrity of Ghana’s judicial institutions.
Story by: Alexander Kukah
kuakahalexander7@gmail.com
