The Third Force Alliance–Ghana, a coalition of smaller political parties including the CPP, PNC, GFP, GCPP, and APC, has thrown its weight behind the constitutional process that led to the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Essaba Torkornoo.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, leaders of the Alliance stated that the constitutional process, activated under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, is being carried out in accordance with Ghana’s democratic principles and should not be politicized.

“The invocation of Article 146 must not be about the personality of President John Dramani Mahama or that of Chief Justice Torkornoo,” said Citizen Afo Dadaie, a representative of the Third Force Alliance–Ghana.
“It is about the rule of law, good governance, and the sanctity of our Constitution.”

The Alliance expressed concern over attempts by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to politicize the matter, especially after the party suspended its ‘Thank You Tour’ to mobilize support for the Chief Justice.

It criticized what it described as “hypocritical and disingenuous tactics” being employed to stir political and gender-based sentiments against President Mahama’s constitutional actions.

“The NPP and its surrogates appear more interested in weaponizing this issue than respecting the dictates of the Constitution,” the group stated.

While acknowledging the significance of the suspension, the Alliance emphasized the importance of public trust in the constitutional process, noting that the decision to suspend the Chief Justice followed a near-unanimous recommendation from the Council of State, after a prima facie case was established in response to petitions filed by citizens.

“This is not a political witch-hunt. It is a lawful process aimed at maintaining the integrity of our judiciary.”

The Alliance also used the platform to recommend long-term constitutional reforms to enhance judicial accountability while safeguarding judicial independence. Among the key proposals were:

Independent Assessment Committee – to review prima facie cases without executive interference.

Statutory Timelines – to ensure swift resolution of Article 146 proceedings.

Public Release of Committee Reports – with appropriate redactions to uphold transparency.

Judicial Integrity Commission – a non-partisan body to investigate and recommend disciplinary action against judges.

Clear Definitions of Misconduct – to avoid politically motivated petitions based on vague terminology.

The group lauded President John Dramani Mahama for acting decisively and within the constitutional framework, stating that his leadership reflects a commitment to upholding the rule of law.

“President Mahama has shown that no one is above the Constitution. His action sends a strong message—justice must not only be done, but it must also be seen to be done.”

The statement was signed by prominent figures from the Alliance, including Virimando Mess Anha (PNC), George Attul (GFP), Rev. Mordecai Thomrian (APC), and Citizen Afo Dadaie (GCPP).

AM/KA

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