NPP’s Salam Mustapha Vows to Remove Mahama-Appointed Chief Justice in Future Government

National Youth Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Salam Mustapha, has issued a stern warning that a future NPP administration will not hesitate to remove any Chief Justice appointed by President John Dramani Mahama, should the current suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo be upheld.

In an interview on Channel One TV on Saturday, May 3, Mustapha condemned what he described as the “crude” and politically motivated handling of the Chief Justice’s suspension. He argued that the action sets a dangerous precedent by linking judicial appointments to partisan politics.

“This move threatens the neutrality of the judiciary,” Mustapha said. “Whether President Mahama wants a third term or not, this is a crude way to go about it.”

He warned that politicizing the judiciary would ultimately harm the institution’s independence, making the office of the Chief Justice vulnerable to partisan influence.

“You are essentially making the position of the Chief Justice dependent on which party is in power,” he stated.

Addressing the host, Umaru Sanda Amadu, Mustapha made it clear that the NPP would retaliate in kind if the current administration goes through with removing Justice Torkornoo.

“If this continues, and a committee says she must go, then by God’s grace, any future NPP government will also remove whoever is appointed to replace her,” he vowed.

His comments add to the growing tension over judicial independence and political influence in the lead-up to the 2024 general elections.