The Minority in Parliament has issued a strongly worded statement condemning President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to suspend the Chief Justice, describing the move as a politically motivated “witch-hunt” aimed at undermining the independence of the judiciary.
The suspension, which follows a petition from unnamed citizens alleging misconduct and ethical breaches by the Chief Justice, has ignited fierce political and legal debate. President Mahama, acting in accordance with Article 146 of the Constitution, referred the petition to the appropriate judicial committee and subsequently acted on its recommendation to suspend the Chief Justice pending further investigation.
However, the Minority insists the process is tainted by political interference and executive overreach. In their statement released Tuesday, April 22, the caucus accused the President of manipulating constitutional procedures for partisan advantage.
“President Mahama’s actions confirm what many have long suspected – that this is not about accountability, but about raw political control,” the statement read.
They further criticized the President’s recent public comments in Akosombo, in which he reportedly expressed intentions to “balance” the judiciary by appointing judges aligned with the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC). The Minority claims this reveals a deeper political agenda behind the Chief Justice’s suspension.
“This is neither good governance nor a credible attempt to reset the judiciary – it is tyranny,” the statement added. “If the President believes he can strong-arm the judiciary into submission, he must be reminded that Ghana is a constitutional democracy, not a fiefdom.”
The caucus warned that any further efforts to intimidate, harass, or unlawfully remove the Chief Justice would be met with strong legal resistance and mass public opposition.
They also issued a firm demand for the immediate reinstatement of the Chief Justice and an immediate suspension of all removal proceedings until the judiciary itself rules on the constitutionality of the process.
“The integrity of Ghana’s judiciary is non-negotiable. We shall vigorously oppose any and all attempts to turn our courts into political tools,” the statement concluded.