The Director of Communications of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has reacted strongly to the ECOWAS Court of Justice’s decision to dismiss all claims filed by former Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, describing the ruling as disappointing and urging a future government to revisit the matter.
In a statement, Mr. Ahiagbah said the decision raises broader concerns about the effectiveness of regional judicial systems in protecting public officials from what he described as politically motivated actions, as well as the overall state of judicial independence in Ghana.
He argued that the circumstances surrounding the former Chief Justice’s removal reflected an “unprecedented and hurried process,” alleging that the proceedings appeared predetermined and resulted in the public humiliation of a high-ranking judicial officer.
According to him, the development signals a worrying precedent for judicial officers and public officials, warning that it could have a chilling effect on independence within state institutions.
Mr. Ahiagbah further contended that the case reflects a broader pattern of executive overreach and institutional weakening, claims which he attributed to the current administration.
He maintained that Justice Torkornoo’s legal challenge would be remembered as a significant moment in Ghana’s democratic history and called for renewed attention to safeguarding constitutional protections for judicial independence.
The NPP communications director also urged Ghanaians to speak out against what he described as the erosion of institutional safeguards, stressing that a weakened judiciary poses risks to all citizens.
He concluded by calling on supporters of democratic governance to channel their concerns into political action, including efforts to change government in the 2028 elections, in order to restore what he described as stronger institutional accountability and independence.
