The Director of Communications of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has urged a future government to revisit what he describes as the abuse of rights suffered by former Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, following the dismissal of her claims by the ECOWAS Court of Justice.
In a statement, Ahiagbah expressed disappointment at the court’s decision to dismiss all claims brought by Justice Torkornoo, arguing that the ruling raises broader questions about the effectiveness of regional judicial mechanisms in protecting public officials from targeted persecution. He said the matter should prompt reflection among Ghanaians who value judicial independence and constitutional governance.
“Ghanaians must not forget what transpired. We saw an unprecedented and hurried process against Chief Justice Torkornoo, with a committee whose conclusion seemed predetermined before its proceedings concluded, the deliberate public humiliation of one of the highest judicial officers in the land,” Ahiagbah stated.
He alleged that constitutional safeguards intended to protect the independence of state institutions had been disregarded, describing the process as an overreach by the Mahama administration. According to him, the issue extends beyond Justice Torkornoo as an individual, reflecting what he termed a broader pattern of executive conduct under the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Ahiagbah argued that such actions weaken institutions, intimidate independent officials, and increase political influence over branches of government expected to operate independently. He described Justice Torkornoo’s efforts to defend her rights and office as a significant moment in Ghana’s democratic history, calling it an act of courage.
He further urged Ghanaians, regardless of political affiliation, to speak out against what he termed the weakening of judicial independence, warning that a compromised judiciary poses risks to all citizens.
