Chief Justice Suspension a Result of Akufo-Addo’s Recklessness – Benjamin Quashie
The Chairman of the NDC Council of Elders in South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, has weighed in on the ongoing controversy surrounding the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, calling it a direct consequence of what he described as the “recklessness of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.”
Speaking on Maakye on Kessben TV, Mr. Quashie said that what is happening today is the result of bad precedents set during the previous administration.
“This didn’t start today. On May 9th, 2018, former President Akufo-Addo suspended four high-profile judges, including Charlotte Osei, then EC Chairperson. Where were the voices of concern then? Were their consciences asleep?” he questioned.
He also referenced the case of former Auditor General Daniel Domelovo, stating that under Nana Akufo-Addo, key independent institutions were crippled without resistance from those who today claim to defend justice.
Mr. Quashie did not hold back on his criticism of the current judiciary, saying it has become “an albatross around the neck of the good people of Ghana.” According to him, the judiciary should be a place Ghanaians run to for justice, not fear.
He expressed concern over how Chief Justice Torkornoo allegedly handled constitutional matters involving Parliament.
“She once claimed that Parliament wasn’t sitting, and because of that, there was a constitutional crisis. But this same Chief Justice refused to empanel the court when the NDC was in opposition. How does that work?” he asked.
He argued that the Chief Justice was wrong to suggest the judiciary had more authority over the legislature, stressing that Ghana’s democracy is based on the separation of powers.
According to Mr. Quashie, former President Akufo-Addo appointed nearly all current members of the Supreme Court, making the judiciary an extension of the executive arm of government during his time in office.
“It’s not just about Gertrude Torkornoo. Every single one of them should go. Akufo-Addo turned the Supreme Court into his own political tool,” he claimed.
He added that President Mahama is simply following constitutional processes and precedents laid down by the previous administration, not acting out of political bitterness.
“Charlotte Osei was removed under Nana Addo. Today, Gertrude is also out. It’s the same process. The president is not happy about it, but this is necessary to begin the reset Ghana needs.”
When asked if the Chief Justice’s removal is a way to satisfy NDC members, Mr. Quashie disagreed, saying the president acted strictly within the 1992 Constitution.
“This is the beginning of Ghana’s reset. We fought for this hard-won victory because we believed everything about Nana Addo’s government was wrong. The people of Ghana have spoken.”
By Adeline Mumuni
