Mustapha Gbande Accuses Afenyo-Markin of Politicizing Justice Torkonoo Case

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) was not responsible for the challenges faced by former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, according to Deputy General Secretary Mustapha Gbande. He stated that attempts to lay blame at the feet of the NDC are misguided.

Speaking on PM Express, Mr. Gbande firmly dismissed claims of his party orchestrating pressure that led to Justice Torkornoo’s removal. He maintained that the NDC was preoccupied with addressing the difficulties facing the nation under the Akufo-Addo administration.

“Ghana has a constitution, and that constitution is the instrument that controls all of us,” he said. “President Mahama and the party leadership were more occupied with battling the difficulties that President Akufo-Addo have taken this country to.”

Mr. Gbande described the current economic climate as challenging, noting the strain on both the President and his ministers. He revealed that even reaching government officials had become difficult, a sentiment echoed by the party’s General and National Chairmen.

“We are not bothered about these renditions being carried out by Alexander Afenyo-Markin and his people. They can talk, but the right things will be done,” he insisted, downplaying the impact of criticisms from the Minority Leader.

He admitted to having reservations about Justice Torkornoo’s appointment from the outset. “I have always, and I have said that vehemently, my fear of having Justice Torkonoo being Chief Justice,” he stated. He explained that these concerns stemmed from issues raised during a petition process, where a committee identified clear reasons against her elevation.

While acknowledging the contributions of past female heads of the judiciary, such as Justice Sophia Akuffo, whom he said he would readily support for another term due to her integrity, Mr. Gbande expressed a different view on Justice Torkornoo. “I cannot say same of Justice Torkonoo, and I cannot say that she discharged herself creditably well. I will say that and take responsibility for it.”

According to Mr. Gbande, the primary source of Justice Torkornoo’s troubles was Alexander Afenyo-Markin. “Her wounds were more deeply scarred by the posture of Alexander Afenyo-Markin. He is the one who destroyed her. If she has anybody to accuse, it should be him and not anybody else,” he asserted.

He accused Afenyo-Markin of politicizing the situation, creating the perception of bias. “He helped in politicising her. Bystanders saw everything as pure politics. What they see is politicisation and who cost it, it was Afenyo-Markin.”

Mr. Gbande further alleged that Afenyo-Markin had a conflict of interest, claiming his companies were involved in business with the judiciary. When challenged for evidence, he responded, “He has never come to deny it,” adding that the Minority Leader’s actions created the impression that Justice Torkornoo was a means for protecting individuals accused of corruption.

Despite these accusations, Mr. Gbande maintained the NDC did not engineer Justice Torkornoo’s removal, though he admitted his personal involvement in advocating against her appointment. “I didnt see NDCs hand in that,” he said. “But I was involved. I was involved in the advocacy.”

He emphasized his commitment to principle, stating he would criticize even former President Mahama if necessary. “Even with President Mahama, the day hes wrong, I will speak against him. Job security should not override my principles.”

Mr. Gbande suggested Justice Torkornoo could have mitigated the situation by distancing herself from political affiliations. He concluded with a patriotic sentiment, expressing his desire for a prosperous Ghana and urging collective effort to achieve it. “I’m not ready to take my children abroad. They will all be here and live here. Ghana is a prosperous country, and we must aspire to make it better.”

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