NDC accuses Chief Justice of ‘palpable bias’ in scheduling political cases
The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo of bias in the scheduling of political cases in the country.
According to the NDC, the Supreme Court has not displayed impartiality in arranging and adjudicating “political cases” brought before it.
This critique follows the court’s decision to prioritize a hearing on a writ filed by Rockson-Nelson Etse K. Dafeamekpor, Member of Parliament for South Dayi, seeking to restrain Parliament from vetting some of the newly appointed ministers.
In a statement, the NDC’s General Secretary, Fifi Kwetey, expressed bewilderment over the timing of this case’s scheduling, especially compared to another case challenging the constitutionality of the Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2024.
“It is interesting to note that Richard Dela Sky filed his writ of summons in the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2024, on March 5, 2024.
“This was almost two clear weeks before Hon. Rockson Dafeamekpor filed his writ of summons on March 18, 2024, challenging the constitutionality of the latest ministerial nominations by the President,” the statement read.
The NDC believes the arbitrary exercise of administrative discretion by the Chief Justice, particularly in the scheduling of cases in the Supreme Court, fortifies the high perception of bias on the part of the judiciary.
“Such judicial manipulations go to confirm the growing public perception that the current Chief Justice, is a pliant accomplice and abettor of the misrule of the despotic Akufo-Addo/Bawumia/NPP government.
“While the Constitution of Ghana vests discretionary powers in the Chief Justice in the discharge of her administrative duties over the judiciary, it is important that such discretionary powers are not exercised arbitrarily, capriciously and whimsically,” the party added.
Read the full statement below.