Justice Atuguba Criticizes NPP's Defense of Suspended Chief Justice Torkornoo as Political Survival Tactic
Retired Supreme Court Justice William Atuguba has openly criticized the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for its staunch defense of suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, suggesting that their actions are driven more by political survival than a genuine concern for justice.
In an interview with JoyNews' Elton Brobbey on "The Pulse," Justice Atuguba questioned the NPP's motives, stating, "You have been overthrown through the ballot. Now your final defence is the Chief Justice? You say, ‘If she falls, we all fall.’ That’s what they are fighting for. It’s not about justice—it’s about survival."
His remarks come in the wake of the NPP's public protest against the judicial proceedings concerning Chief Justice Torkornoo's suspension. The party, along with former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame, has argued that it was procedurally improper for an acting Chief Justice to preside over a case involving the sitting Chief Justice.
Justice Atuguba, however, dismissed these objections, accusing the NPP of hypocrisy. He questioned their commitment to transparency and neutrality during their time in office, implying that their current stance lacks credibility.
He further referenced a statement by former National Security Minister Albert Kan-Dapaah, who admitted that judicial decisions are sometimes influenced to prevent national instability. Justice Atuguba challenged this notion, asking, "But if the courts were truly implementing the law, what would make him apprehensive? Public perception? The trend? Repeated unanimous decisions in favour of a particular party?"
Highlighting a recent 3–2 Supreme Court decision that deviated from a pattern of unanimous rulings favoring the NPP, Justice Atuguba expressed concern over the judiciary's independence under the current regime. He questioned whether consistent rulings in favor of one party truly reflect justice and democratic principles.
Conclusion
Justice Atuguba's critique underscores a growing concern about the politicization of Ghana's judiciary. His comments suggest that the defense of Chief Justice Torkornoo by the NPP may be more about preserving political influence than upholding the integrity of the judicial system. This situation highlights the need for a judiciary that operates independently, free from political pressures, to maintain public trust and uphold the rule of law.
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Political Influence in Ghana's Judiciary
