The People’s National Party (PNP) has petitioned the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to intervene in what it describes as a politically motivated effort by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, led by President John Dramani Mahama, to oust suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Torkornoo.

The petition was presented at the Manhyia Palace on Tuesday, July 31.

Addressing the media afterwards, PNP leader Janet Nabila condemned the circumstances surrounding Justice Torkornoo’s suspension, calling it “a political witch hunt” and an attack on judicial independence.

She accused the Mahama administration of seeking to assert control over all three arms of government and warned that the alleged targeting of the Chief Justice, particularly as a woman, posed a threat to Ghana’s democratic credentials.

“We came to Manhyia because we believe that when state institutions fail, traditional authorities must step in.

As women, we are pained that a female Chief Justice is being treated this way.

I was moved to tears listening to her account of her ordeal,” Nabila said.

She also questioned the timing of the government’s action, which coincided with the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving, describing it as contradictory.

“You cannot pray and give thanks to God while engaging in acts of vindictiveness.

What Ghana needs now is a National Day of Repentance,” she said.

Responding to accusations of selective advocacy, particularly for not speaking out during the removal of former Electoral Commission Chairperson Charlotte Osei, Nabila rejected claims of inconsistency.

She maintained that the PNP’s position was rooted in principle rather than partisanship.

The PNP has urged Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to exercise his moral influence to ensure that justice prevails and that the integrity of the judiciary is preserved.