The Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has voiced his disappointment regarding the ECOWAS Court of Justice’s decision to dismiss all claims brought forth by former Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo against the Republic of Ghana.
In a Facebook post dated Thursday, June 25, Mr. Ahiagbah remarked that the ruling raises significant concerns about the capacity of regional judicial bodies to safeguard public officials from what he termed politically motivated actions.
He indicated that this decision should encourage Ghanaians who value the independence of the judiciary and the protection of constitutional governance to reflect on the matter.
“The decision by the ECOWAS Court of Justice to dismiss all claims filed by former Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo is deeply disappointing. It calls for reflection by every Ghanaian who believes in the independence of our judiciary,” he stated.
Mr. Ahiagbah contended that the circumstances surrounding Justice Torkornoo’s removal continue to be a public concern, notwithstanding the court’s ruling.
He claimed that the process leading to her removal was expedited and did not sufficiently uphold the constitutional safeguards intended to protect the judiciary.
“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, and a brazen disregard for the constitutional safeguards designed precisely to protect the independence of our institutions,” he wrote.
The NPP Communications Director further cautioned that these developments could have wider implications for the independence of state institutions.
He emphasised the necessity of protecting democratic institutions from political interference, asserting that judicial independence is vital for safeguarding the rights and freedoms of citizens.
He emphasised the necessity of protecting democratic institutions from political meddling, highlighting that judicial independence is essential for safeguarding the rights and freedoms of citizens.
Mr. Ahiagbah asserted that the concerns brought up by the case should act as a reminder of the importance of reinforcing trust in Ghana’s democratic and constitutional frameworks.
