NDC Deputy General Secretary, Mustapha Gbande, has launched a fresh criticism at the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, accusing him of wielding what he describes as “proprietary influence” over Ghana’s Judiciary. According to Mr. Gbande, the Efutu MP’s conduct significantly contributed to the reputational challenges faced by former Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Torkonoo.
Mr. Gbande, who also serves as Deputy Director of Operations at the Presidency, argued that Mr. Afenyo-Markin’s own political interventions were instrumental in eroding public confidence in the Judiciary. He claimed the Majority Leader’s rhetoric and actions directly politicised the judicial system, leaving the former Chief Justice vulnerable to public mistrust.
Providing additional context, Mr. Gbande revealed that he had long expressed reservations about the elevation of Justice Torkonoo to the position of Chief Justice. He said a committee petition—filed before her appointment highlighted concerns he believes were never adequately addressed. He emphasised that those concerns were neither driven by partisan motives nor directed by former President John Mahama or the National Democratic Congress as a party.
Reiterating his belief in strong national institutions, Mr. Gbande said Ghana had witnessed examples of exemplary female leadership within the Judiciary. He singled out former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo, whom he praised for demonstrating integrity and professionalism throughout her tenure. “I would support her again without hesitation,” he said, adding that Justice Akuffo served without attracting public suspicion, something he claimed could not be said of Justice Torkonoo.
Mr. Gbande insisted that the former Chief Justice’s difficulties were compounded, if not caused, by the actions of Mr. Afenyo-Markin. According to him, “If there is anyone, she should hold responsible, it is the Majority Leader. He is the one who exposed her and fuelled the politicisation surrounding her office.”
When interviewers pointed out that Mr. Afenyo-Markin had accused the NDC of launching partisan attacks on the Judiciary, Mr. Gbande dismissed the claim outright. He insisted instead that the Majority Leader had personal interests in judicial matters. “Afenyo-Markin has a proprietary interest,” he alleged, claiming the Majority Leader’s private companies were engaged in contracts within the Judiciary. When pressed for evidence, Mr. Gbande argued that the MP had “never denied” the claims, though the host reminded him that silence does not constitute proof.
Mr. Gbande further argued that the narrative portraying Justice Torkonoo as a channel through which government could protect politically exposed individuals did not originate from the NDC. Rather, he claimed the Majority Leader’s public conduct created that perception. He stressed that the issue transcended party politics and instead reflected how public confidence can be compromised when judicial leadership appears entangled with political figures.
Dismissing accusations that the NDC orchestrated the former Chief Justice’s removal, Mr. Gbande said he did not believe the party as an institution played a role. However, he openly admitted his personal involvement in advocacy against her stewardship. “I spoke out whenever I felt it was necessary,” he stated, adding that he would even challenge former President Mahama if he believed he had acted wrongly, insisting that his principles take precedence over personal or political loyalty.
Mr. Gbande said Justice Torkonoo might have avoided much of the backlash if she had firmly insulated her office from political influence. While acknowledging that no public official is flawless, he stressed that public trust erodes when citizens feel institutions are failing to protect the national interest.
Reflecting on his broader hopes for the country, he said he remains committed to raising his children in Ghana rather than sending them abroad. “Ghana is a prosperous nation,” he said. “It must be improved for the sake of our children, and that responsibility lies with all of us.”