The Member of Parliament for Effutu and Minority Leader in Ghana’s Parliament, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, has issued a strong caution to Acting Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, and Acting Judicial Service Secretary, Dr. Cyracus Badinye Bapuuroh, urging them not to be complacent in the face of the suspension of Chief Justice Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo.
“Do not become complacent simply because you may not be directly affected by the suspension of Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Torkornoo,” Afenyo-Markin warned.
He also appealed to members of the Judicial Service to remain united in defence of their institution, stressing the wider implications of the Chief Justice’s suspension for judicial independence and democratic governance.
Speaking during the submission of a petition at the Supreme Court by the opposition coalition led by the New Patriotic Party (NPP), as part of the ongoing “Save the Judiciary” protest on Monday, May 5, 2025, Afenyo-Markin described the move as a dangerous precedent.
“This is not just about one individual. The judiciary is the last line of defence for our democracy. What is happening now undermines that foundation,” he said. “For the Chief Justice to be targeted based on what we see as a flimsy, politically motivated petition is deeply troubling.”
He further criticized the Council of State, accusing it of failing to uphold the integrity of the judiciary during this critical moment.
“The Council of State has failed the government, and we urge all judicial officers to put aside personal interests. The institution itself is under attack. If today it’s Torkornoo, tomorrow it could be you,” he stressed.
Afenyo-Markin concluded by reminding judicial officers that they serve the Constitution and the people of Ghana—not the interests of any political party or administration.
