The General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Frimpong Kodua, has accused the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) of attempting to exert undue control over key state institutions, especially the Judiciary. Speaking at the launch of the NPP’s Amended 2025 Constitution, Kodua emphasized that the alleged “unlawful” removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkonoo exemplified what he described as increasing executive interference.
Kodua claimed that the government is tightening its influence over judicial processes to sway court outcomes, including parliamentary disputes, and warned that such actions threaten the country’s democratic checks and balances. According to him, some judges now fear ruling strictly according to the law due to possible retaliation from the Executive, invoking what he described as a climate reminiscent of authoritarian regimes.
He further alleged instances of judges assuming jurisdiction where none exists and delivering politically questionable rulings. Kodua also criticized what he called rising abuse of incumbency under the NDC administration, citing the frequent use of nolle prosequi to discontinue cases involving party members accused of misappropriating public funds.
The NPP General Secretary urged civil society, religious leaders, and the international community to pay close attention to what he characterized as creeping authoritarianism. His remarks reflect his personal views and accusations, which the government and the Judiciary have not publicly responded to in this report.