The Minority in Parliament has raised serious concerns about a petition submitted by President John Dramani Mahama to the Council of State in March 2025, seeking the removal of the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

Describing the move as a direct threat to judicial independence, members of the Minority warned that it sets a dangerous precedent in Ghana’s democratic journey.

They likened the development to dark moments in the country’s history, including the chilling murder of three judges on June 30, 1982, during a period of intense political unrest.

They dismissed the allegations in the petition—centering on issues of judicial promotions and contempt rulings, as "spurious," arguing that they are part of a broader attempt to exert political influence over the Judiciary.

“This is not just about one individual,” they stressed.

“It’s about preserving the integrity of our democracy.

If this experiment fails, the ordinary Ghanaian will bear the brunt of its collapse. You are the fountain from which justice flows.”

The Ranking Member on the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee, John Darko, raised these concerns at a press conference held in Accra  

The Minority called on traditional and religious leaders to counsel the president and push for a reconsideration of the petition.

They also urged international diplomatic missions to monitor the situation closely, warning that the erosion of judicial independence could mark the beginning of democratic backsliding in Ghana.