By Philip Antor
A coalition of smaller political parties, known as the Third Force Alliance-Ghana, has thrown their weight behind President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to suspend Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Essaba Torkornoo. In a recent press conference at the International Press Center in Accra, the alliance praised the suspension as a necessary step towards upholding Ghana’s constitutional democracy.
The Third Force Alliance, which includes parties like the Convention People’s Party (CPP) and the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP), defended the suspension as a lawful act rooted in clear constitutional grounds. They refuted claims of personal or political vendettas influencing the decision, dismissing critics’ accusations as baseless.
Convener Awudu Ishak of the Third Force Alliance criticized the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) for spreading what he called misleading information to fuel public outrage. Ishak emphasized that the President’s actions were based on advice from the Council of State, a distinguished group of public servants. He urged critics to revisit the Constitution before passing judgment.
While clarifying that the suspension does not equate to guilt, Ishak stressed the importance of allowing the legal process outlined in Article 146 to run its course. He also presented a series of recommendations to reform the judicial accountability system, including establishing an Independent Prima Facie Review Committee and setting statutory timelines for proceedings.
The Third Force Alliance concluded by calling for a national dialogue on strengthening democratic institutions and upholding the rule of law in Ghana. Ishak reiterated the alliance’s unwavering commitment to a transparent and accountable governance system.