Former Speaker of Parliament and respected NPP elder, Prof. Mike Oquaye, has sharply criticized members of his own party for what he describes as hypocrisy in their sudden outrage over the suspension and possible removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
While some leading NPP figures have taken to the streets demanding her reinstatement, Oquaye questioned the selective uproar, pointing out that the constitutional process for judicial removal has long existed in Ghana.
Speaking in a candid interview on JoyNews’ The Pulse, Oquaye challenged the inconsistency of those now protesting. *“Why is it that Ghanaians have watched this being their law for so long, and some people who today are criticising the system said nothing?”* he asked. His remarks suggest frustration with what he sees as opportunistic opposition to a process that has been legally established for years.
The former Speaker reminded critics that he had addressed these same constitutional provisions over a decade ago at the University of Ghana—long before the current tensions arose.
His comments imply that the sudden outcry is politically motivated rather than rooted in genuine concern for judicial independence. *“Why do we allow such things to happen? And then we cry foul when it appears as if a particular best person is going to suffer,”* he stated.
Oquaye’s most striking remark was his use of the proverb, *“What is good for the goose is good for the gander,”* suggesting that if the NPP and others accepted similar processes in the past, they should not now oppose them simply because the circumstances have changed. His stance highlights a broader debate about fairness, consistency, and the politicization of Ghana’s judiciary.
As tensions rise over the fate of the Chief Justice, Oquaye’s intervention serves as a sobering rebuke to political figures who may be exploiting the situation for partisan gain. His call for principled consistency rather than selective outrage could reshape the discourse around judicial accountability in Ghana. Whether his party members heed his warning remains to be seen.
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