'We are mourning democracy' - Minority Leader reacts to Torkornoo's removal

The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, has stated that Ghana's democracy is under threat following the removal of Justice Gertrude Torkornoo from her position as Chief Justice by President John Dramani Mahama.

Speaking in an interview with GH One TV on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, Afenyo-Markin argued that the President’s action undermines the rule of law and due process.

The Member of Parliament for Effutu has insisted that the work of the Pwamang Committee, which investigated the petitions, should not have resulted in her removal in such a manner.

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“We are mourning democracy, when you have charges against the Chief Justice and you are done with count one, but counts two and three are not concluded, and then you say you have dismissed the person, that is unjust,” he said.

His comments follow President Mahama’s decision on Monday, September 1, to remove Justice Gertrude Torkornoo in accordance with Article 146(9) of the 1992 Constitution.

The President acted on the recommendation of the Committee set up under Article 146(6) to investigate petitions alleging misconduct and incompetence.

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Her removal from office has sparked widespread criticisms from the Ghana Bar Association, (GBA), civil society groups, and the opposition New Patriotic Party, all of whom have described the move as unconstitutional and a threat to judicial independence.

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