Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, has launched a blistering attack on former President John Dramani Mahama, alleging that his recent judicial nominations are part of a grand scheme to secure an unconstitutional third term in office.
Addressing the media at a press conference organized by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Thursday, May 1, Afenyo-Markin described Mahama’s nomination of seven new Supreme Court Justices as a “calculated political manoeuvre” rather than a routine constitutional exercise.
The nominees are Justices Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei, Gbiel Simon Suurbaareh, Senyo Dzamefe, Kweku Tawiah Ackah-Boafo, Philip Bright Mensah, Janpere Bartels-Kodwo, and Hafisata Ameleboba.
“This is not a routine judicial appointment. What we are witnessing is a strategic and deliberate effort to pack the Supreme Court with loyalists,” Afenyo-Markin declared, suggesting that the nominations are aimed at tilting the judiciary in Mahama’s favour ahead of future political plans.
The Minority Leader drew a direct link between the appointments and the recent suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, which he described as a troubling development. He claimed the timing raises serious questions about Mahama’s intentions.
“Coming immediately after the suspension of the Chief Justice, these appointments point to a deeper, more dangerous political ambition: a third-term agenda in disguise,” he warned.
Afenyo-Markin called on Ghanaians, civil society organizations, and religious bodies to remain vigilant and resist what he termed an “assault on judicial independence and constitutional order.”
“This is not how a responsible government strengthens the rule of law. This is how a government tightens its grip on power through the backdoor,” he said, adding, “The integrity of our justice system is at stake, and we must resist any attempt to convert it into a political tool.”
Meanwhile, Janet Nabla, Leader of the People’s National Party, has announced a nationwide protest to demand the reinstatement of Chief Justice Torkornoo. She urged women across the country to participate in the demonstration, emphasizing the need to protect the independence of the judiciary and uphold constitutional governance.