Retired Supreme Court Justice William Atuguba has sharply criticized the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for what he describes as a hypocritical stance regarding the recent suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. His remarks come in response to a protest organized by the NPP and allied political parties in Accra on May 5, 2025, demanding the immediate reinstatement of the Chief Justice.
The protesters argued that President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to suspend Justice Torkornoo was unconstitutional and politically motivated, asserting that the move threatened the independence of the judiciary. However, Justice Atuguba, speaking in an interview on Joy News, questioned the credibility of the NPP’s sudden defense of judicial independence.
“How were they when they were in office? How did they perform? Acting transparently in the interest of the people, did they do that? What!” he remarked, challenging the consistency of the party’s stance.
Justice Atuguba, a respected figure known for his strong views on constitutional matters, recalled the period when the NPP held power and faced widespread public criticism for perceived judicial interference. “Before the elections, it was common to hear the Supreme Court being described as ‘Unanimous FC’ on social media. Was it President Mahama who was doing that? They were in office; what steps did they take?” he asked pointedly.
He also expressed his frustration over what he views as the exclusion of public interest from the nation’s political discourse. “These are the kinds of things I just hate. That is pure hypocrisy,” he added, emphasizing the need for genuine commitment to democratic principles rather than political convenience.
Justice Atuguba’s comments highlight the ongoing debate over the role of the judiciary in Ghana’s democratic process and the need for consistency in upholding its independence, regardless of which party is in power.
