The General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey, has accused the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) of panicking over potential corruption exposure, insisting that their sudden defence of the embattled Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo, is a self-serving attempt to shield themselves from accountability.
Kwetey maintained that the country must be driven by two central values: freedom and justice. While Ghana’s democratic space has fostered a measure of freedom, he said the true test lies in ensuring that the justice system is not compromised by political influence or selective protection.
“This country’s very soul thrives on the freedom for its citizens to be able to fulfill their potential and do what they can to be able to make our country great and strong”
Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey, NDC General Secretary
He added that the foundation of such a thriving nation cannot be sustained if those entrusted with the administration of justice themselves fail to uphold its standards. According to him, the Chief Justice must be held to account if wrongdoing is established.
“Now if it’s pretty clear that the one who is supposed to be in charge of the justice of our country herself is not able to live up to the high mantra of being or doing things according to the law, then charity must begin at home”
Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey, NDC General Secretary
Kwetey dismissed claims that the calls for action against the Chief Justice were politically motivated. He expressed confidence in the Council of State, which includes distinguished personalities such as former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo and former Speaker of Parliament Edward Doe Adjaho, to assess the matter with impartiality and integrity.
“I trust the people who are the council of state – I think that those are noble people who will not simply go on what you call a witch hunt”
Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey, NDC General Secretary
He also affirmed that President John Dramani Mahama, under whose administration this issue is unfolding, is not driven by vendetta. “He is not somebody that you’ll call a petty minded person who simply wants to take an innocent person and punish an innocent person.”
Fear of Accountability
Kwetey pointed out that the NPP’s vocal support for Chief Justice Torkornoo is less about principle and more about fear of retribution.
“Her departure makes it difficult for them now to feel safe when cases are brought against them. They are afraid of how the person who possibly could be there and possibly manipulate the system to help them is no more”
Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey, NDC General Secretary
According to him, this sole reason accounts for the party’s anxiety regarding the departure of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. They do not want to be left vulnerable to legal consequences of their actions over the last eight years in power.
Addressing the notion that the same fear could be attributed to the NDC, who will also struggle when cases go to the Supreme Court with the Chief justice there, and so want to get her out, Kwetey insisted that the party is only focused on one thing – justice.
Kwetey, rejected any interpretation of the NDC’s stance as an attack on the judiciary. Instead, he emphasized that the principle is straightforward: the innocent should be exonerated, and the guilty should be punished, regardless of political affiliation.
Responding to whether the Chief Justice had not already demonstrated her commitment to justice through her conduct on the bench, Kwetey said: “No. This is a situation where a prima facie case has been established against her.”
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