The People’s National Party (PNP), led by Janet Asana Nabla, has criticised President John Mahama’s decision to act on petitions for the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonno to the Council of State.

In a press statement on Thursday, March 27, the party described this move as unprecedented, noting that previous administrations had always respected judicial independence and collaborated with Chief Justices, regardless of political differences.

The PNP condemned what it described as a betrayal of President Mahama's promises to empower women.

The party pointed out that the president had previously pledged to implement the Affirmative Action Law, which was meant to ensure 30% representation of women in his government.

However, the PNP argued that Mr Mahama's actions have contradicted this promise, as he seems bent on removing women who have already held positions of leadership before his administration.

In her statement, Janet Asana Nabla criticised President Mahama for focusing on removing the Chief Justice and the Electoral Commission chairperson instead of fulfilling his manifesto promises to improve the lives of Ghanaians.

he PNP leader expressed concern that Mahama’s actions might be part of a wider strategy to manipulate the political system for the upcoming 2028 elections, or even to pave the way for his own return after exhausting his two-term limit.

The PNP vowed that within its first month in office, it would push for constitutional reforms to reduce the excessive powers of the presidency and promote a more inclusive and transparent governance system.

The party called on Ghanaians to reject any attempts by the NDC administration to undermine democracy and hinder the progress of women in leadership.

Background

On Tuesday, the presidency announced that President John Mahama was consulting the Council of State following three petitions to his office demanding the removal of the CJ.

According to a statement from the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the three petitions have been forwarded to the Council of State, in line with the constitutional process outlined in Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.

The Council of State is expected to examine the petitions and advise the President on the next steps per constitutional provisions governing the removal of a Chief Justice.

Meanwhile, the immediate past Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame has filed a lawsuit on behalf of his client, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, Member of Parliament (MP) for Old Tafo, against the Attorney-General at the Supreme Court, challenging the procedural legality of President Mahama's actions concerning the potential removal of the Chief Justice.

Read also: Godfred Dame files suit against Attorney-General over Chief Justice removal process