Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for Adentan, Akosua Manu, has raised alarm over the state of Ghana’s justice system, warning that it is at risk of being compromised following the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Wednesday, April 23, Manu expressed concern that the recent developments point to a broader political agenda aimed at undermining judicial independence.
According to her, the suspension of the Chief Justice is not an isolated action but part of a calculated attempt to reshape the judiciary to serve partisan ends.
“It is not that it is even her as the target per se. It is just the first domino effect on what they plan to do, which is the reset. She is not ultimately the target, nor the EC. The EC will be a casualty, but ultimately the Supreme Court judges,” she stated.
President John Dramani Mahama announced the suspension of Chief Justice Torkornoo on April 22 after a prima facie case was established based on three separate petitions. The action, taken in accordance with Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution and in consultation with the Council of State, has sparked intense national debate.
However, Manu believes the issue transcends legality. She argues the move sets a dangerous precedent—one that could open the door to the manipulation of the judiciary for political gain.
“They will replace them with their people because they believe that the people there will not do their bidding. Justice will be subverted, and the conscience of this country can never live down what is happening today,” she warned.
Her comments reflect mounting concerns about the politicisation of Ghana’s judiciary and its potential impact on democratic governance. She urged Ghanaians not to dismiss the developments as remote or inconsequential.
“So if they are standing by, saying that even the woman is not my friend and stuff, so let the chiefs fall where they may, they are coming for you,” she said.
As discussions around the suspension continue to unfold, Manu’s remarks underscore a growing unease over what critics fear could become an erosion of the judiciary’s independence and credibility.