Former National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) CEO, Okoe Boye, has criticized President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to remove Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Torkunoo, describing the move as a violation of morality, ethics, and conscience, though not necessarily illegal.
Speaking at the “Save The Judiciary” demonstration held today in Accra, Okoe Boye stressed that the protest was not solely about the Chief Justice’s removal but about safeguarding the independence of Ghana’s judiciary from political interference.
Okoe Boye emphasized the broader implications of political control over the judiciary, warning that domination of all four arms of government by a single party poses a grave threat to Ghana’s democracy.
He stated “We are not here because of Justice Torkunoo or because the CJ is a woman. We are here to ensure that whether it is the NDC or the NPP in power, whoever governs does not control the judiciary.”
He highlighted the fear citizens might feel if their cases were adjudicated under the direct influence of the executive or legislature.
He said “If you take me to Jubilee House today to adjudicate my case, I might be scared. If you take me to Parliament, which President Mahama controls and where with all due of respect tells the Speaker, Alban Bagbin what to do, I will also be scared.”
Okoe Boye underscored the judiciary as the only arm of government where citizens can expect impartiality and fairness, judged on the merits of their case rather than political affiliation.
“The only place that when you take me I can walk with confidence knowing that I’ll judge based on content of my character and not based on my affiliation with a party is the judiciary so we are here to make sure all of us are protected”, he stressed.
He urged the public to unite in protecting this vital institution.
Addressing arguments that President Mahama’s action was constitutionally valid, Okoe Boye acknowledged the legal basis but refuted claims that legality equates to righteousness.
He remarked “People say Mahama has committed no wrong because he is activating a constitutional provision. That may be true, but you don’t need to break the law to do wrong. In South Africa, apartheid was legal and backed by law, yet it was against ethics and morality.”
He concluded that while the president’s move may not violate the law, it fundamentally breaches ethical standards and the collective conscience of the nation.
“what Mahama is doing is not against a law but it is against morality, ethics and conscience.”
Source :www.kumasimail.com /Kwadwo Owusu
