1) I write to you with a heavy heart over

 this orchestrated attempt by your office to undermine the independence of Ghana’s judiciary, particularly the roadmap designed to remove The Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo. This is not only a dangerous precedent; it is an outright assault on the very fabric of our democracy.

2) The judiciary, Mr. President, is the last line of defense for justice in any democratic society and ours is not in isolation. It is the only organ of state that has withstood the test of time, even in moments of severe political turmoil. 

3) When Parliament was dissolved and executive power was usurped by military regimes, the courts remained operational. They provided a sanctuary for justice and ensured that the rule of law, however fragile, was never entirely extinguished. Any attempt to subjugate this institution to political control threatens the very foundation of our democracy.

4) Ghana’s history is replete with political crises, yet in each of these periods, the judiciary stood firm. During the era of military coups, when Ghana experienced interruptions to civilian rule under regimes such as the National Liberation Council (1966–1969), the Supreme Military Council (1972–1979), and the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) (1981–1993), Parliament was dissolved and executive power was centralized under military leaders. Yet, the courts continued to operate.

5) Even during the darkest days of military rule, the judiciary—Though subjected to threats and interference—remained in place, ensuring that justice was dispensed where possible. The independence of the courts during those years ensured that fundamental human rights, at least to some extent, could be safeguarded. This is a testament to the crucial role the judiciary plays in national stability.

6) Your attempt, therefore, to interfere with the judiciary represents an unprecedented attack on an institution that has outlived and outlasted political regimes of all kinds. 

7) The courts were here before you assumed the presidency, and they will remain long after you leave. No leader, no matter how powerful, has been able to control Ghana’s judiciary without facing resistance from the people.

8) H.E John Mahama,  If history teaches us anything, it is that attempts to control the judiciary through force or manipulation always end in tragedy. The most gruesome reminder of this is the horrifying murder of three High Court judges—Justices Fred Poku Sarkodee, Cecilia Koranteng-Addow, and Kwadwo Agyei Agyapong—along with a retired army officer, Major Sam Acquah, on June 30, 1982.

9) These judges were kidnapped and brutally executed because they dared to rule against the political interests of the PNDC regime, of which you and your party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), are the direct political descendants. The Special Investigations Board, led by former Chief Justice Samuel Azu Crabbe, found that the murders were state-orchestrated, and those involved were tried and executed.

10) The judiciary bore this painful scar, yet it survived. The courts continued their work, proving that no amount of intimidation, brutality, or political interference can erase the role of justice in a functioning society like ours. If these horrific murders could not destroy the judiciary, your political maneuvers will not either.

11) Your actions, Mr. President, appear to follow a pattern of hostility toward the judiciary. From your days in opposition, you consistently ridiculed the courts, even referring to them as "Unanimous FC" when rulings did not favor your political interests. That alone was a reckless attack on the judiciary's credibility.

12) Mr. President, You later promised that, upon returning to power, you would "reset" the judiciary. Now, through carefully orchestrated petitions from your inner circle, you are seeking to make good on that threat by targeting the Chief Justice. It is evident that this is not about judicial accountability—it is a calculated attempt to install a judiciary that serves your political interests.

13) Respectfully,  Your party's long-standing political strategy has always been to control the judiciary. The party believes it can only win cases in court when the Chief Justice is one of their own. This mindset is akin to a football player insisting on choosing his own referee before agreeing to play a match. It is not only undemocratic but also dangerous for the future of this country.

14) History proves, however, that even when extreme measures were taken—such as murdering judges in cold blood—it did not give the NDC control over the judiciary. In fact, after the murders of 1982, the party lost more court cases than they won. Justice is not a political tool, and no amount of coercion or intimidation can change that.

15) Mr. President, Ghana’s judiciary is not just another state institution. It is the pillar that upholds justice for the people. It is the last hope for ordinary Ghanaians who seek fairness and protection under the law regardless of few flaws. The courts are the shield that protects citizens from government excesses, corruption, and abuse of power.

16) For this & many reasons, we will not sit idly by while you attempt to bend the judiciary to your political will. No president—no matter how influential—will be allowed to compromise the independence of the courts. Ghanaians will resist any move to make the judiciary a puppet of political authority. This is excessive partisanship!

17) Mr. President, any leader who wishes Ghana well at this crossroad will throw away such frivolous petitions that threaten the foundation of our democracy.

18) Your composure and utterances on this matter is dangerous. Do not drag this country into chaos. Do not attempt to undermine an institution that has survived decades of political turbulence. Do not attempt to bring back the dark days when judges were targeted for simply doing their jobs.

19) If you proceed with this self-seeking agenda, know that the people of Ghana will resist you. We have seen where this path leads, and we will not allow history to repeat itself. The judiciary will not be subjected to the whims of politicians, no matter their rank or ambitions.

20) Ghanaians have fought too hard and endured too much to allow any leader—past or present—to trample on the rule of law. The courts belong to the people, not to any political party. And we, the people, will defend them at all costs.

21) May the souls of Justices Fred Poku Sarkodee, Cecilia Koranteng-Addow, and Kwadwo Agyei Agyapong—Continue to, Rest in perfect peace.

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