Future NPP Government Will Purge Judiciary of NDC Influence – Kabiru Tiah

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Credit: Emma Ankrah
Walewale MP, Kabiru Tiah Mahama, has vowed that a future New Patriotic Party (NPP) government will take steps to “purge” the judiciary of what he describes as deep political polarisation under the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Speaking in an interview on JoyNews’ The Pulse on Monday, the legislator alleged that the judicial system has become heavily compromised following the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo.

According to him, the bench must demonstrate its constitutional independence through bold and impartial rulings, adding that “the judiciary has the opportunity to purge itself of the scars left by its actions and its connivance — sleeping in bed with the executive.”

“They must show in their judicial decisions that they can stand out and say, ‘Yes, we are independent,’ as guaranteed by the Constitution,” he added.

The Walewale MP insisted that an NPP administration would not hesitate to act decisively to restore confidence in the courts.

“The future NPP government will patch the judiciary and purge it of polarisation. We will take every legal step allowed by the Constitution to ensure that justice is not only done, but seen to be done,” he stated.

Responding to a question on whether an NPP government could invoke Article 146 to remove the Chief Justice, the Walewale MP suggested that no option would be off the table.

“We will purge the judiciary of the cancer that has characterised it and exorcise the spirit that has taken over.Until we cleanse and pacify the system, rulings will continue to suggest a judiciary in the pocket of the executive.”

Again, he stated that the Minority is open to engaging the current Chief Justice over concerns about his leadership style and the direction of the judiciary.

“We are open to engaging the Chief Justice, telling him how he is leading, and our reservations about his leadership. If he is ready to carry everyone along, we will give him our full support,” he stated.