By Issah Olegor
The People’s National Party (PNP) has launched a passionate appeal to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, calling for his intervention in what it describes as a politically motivated and unlawful suspension of the Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo.
In a formal petition dated July 1, 2025, and signed by PNP Chairperson Janet Asana Nabla, the party is urging the Asantehene to use his moral authority to halt what it sees as a deepening assault on judicial independence and a calculated campaign against women in positions of power.
Allegations of Political Interference
The petition accuses President John Dramani Mahama’s administration of orchestrating the Chief Justice’s suspension as part of a broader agenda to “equalise” the judiciary — allegedly replacing independent judicial voices with politically aligned ones.
It claims that despite a lack of credible evidence, Justice Torkornoo was removed from office and made to face an investigative committee chaired by a known adversary.
“The suspension is not only baseless but vindictive,” the PNP stated, insisting that the process lacks transparency and violates the constitutional guarantees afforded to the Chief Justice under Ghana’s democratic framework.
Claims of Humiliation and Abuse
Beyond the political accusations, the PNP outlines what it describes as “systematic psychological abuse” endured by the suspended Chief Justice.
According to the petition, Justice Torkornoo has been subjected to invasive body searches before entering committee hearings, barred from family accompaniment, and forced to appear at a venue associated with personal trauma.
The party further alleges that her attempts to seek legal redress over these treatment breaches have been denied by the very judiciary she once headed.
The petition portrays Justice Torkornoo as a symbol of female empowerment and judicial excellence in Ghana, warning that her public humiliation could discourage future generations of women from pursuing leadership roles.
“If Chief Justice Torkornoo — one of the brightest examples of what Ghanaian women can achieve — is allowed to be broken like this, what hope do we give to the next generation of girls?” the PNP asked in a compelling appeal.
Demands to the Asantehene
The PNP has placed three key demands before Otumfuo Osei Tutu II:
1. Summon President Mahama and demand an immediate reversal of the Chief Justice’s suspension.
2. Convene an independent and impartial inquiry into the matter.
3. Publicly champion the protection of women in leadership and uphold the dignity of the judiciary.
The PNP’s letter emphasizes the vital role traditional rulers have historically played as the custodians of morality, justice, and unity in Ghana.
It argues that Otumfuo’s intervention is necessary not only to restore Justice Torkornoo’s reputation but also to safeguard Ghana’s democratic values.
