By Francis Kobena Tandoh
Minority Leader Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin on Thursday accused President John Mahama of packing the Supreme Court with the recent appointment of seven Court of Appeal judges as a clandestine attempt to pursue a third-term in office agenda.
Speaking at a press conference in the Ghanaian capital of Accra ahead of a planned multi-party protest on Monday, May 5, Afenyo-Markin observed that the move poses a serious threat to the balance of power and the independence of the Judiciary.
“This is not a routine judicial appointment. What we are witnessing is a strategic and deliberate effort to pack the Supreme Court with loyalists. The nomination of seven Appeals Court judges immediately after suspending the Chief Justice reveals a deeper, more dangerous political ambition—a third-term agenda in disguise.”
The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, also launched a scathing attack on the Council of State, accusing it of aiding what he described as a calculated and politically motivated suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
He alleged that the Chief Justice’s suspension was deliberately orchestrated by the government with backing from the Council of State.
“The current attacks on the Chief Justice and the broader attempt to politicize the bench must be seen for what they are. And here our Council of State failed our democracy,” said the Minority Leader.
Afenyo-Markin warned that the integrity of the judiciary is under serious threat, citing what he described as a pattern of executive interference and strategic appointments aimed at consolidating political control over the courts.
“I, on behalf of the Minority Caucus, hereby say that what we are witnessing today under the John Mahama-led government is a systematic and calculated assault on the independence of the judiciary—an institution we all know is the last line of defence for the rule of law, the protection of rights, and the survival of our democratic Republic,” he added.
“Today, what we see is intimidation, political interference, and open targeting of judges who are perceived as inconvenient and non-compliant. This is not just unacceptable, it is repugnant to good conscience,” he further stated.
The Minority Leader called for public support for its May 5 protest, insisting the rule of law, separation of powers, and constitutional order are at stake. Enditem
Source: Ghana Eye Report
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