The Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagba, has called on a future government to revisit what he described as the abuse of the rights of former Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo.

In a Facebook post following the decision of the ECOWAS Court of Justice to dismiss all claims filed by the former Chief Justice against the Republic of Ghana, Mr. Ahiagba described the ruling as “deeply disappointing” and said it should concern all Ghanaians who believe in the independence of the judiciary.

According to him, the ruling raises questions about the ability of regional judicial institutions to protect public officials from what he termed targeted persecution and also casts doubt on the health of Ghana’s democracy.

Mr. Ahiagba alleged that the process leading to the removal of Justice Torkornoo was unprecedented and hurried, and accused the government of publicly humiliating one of the country’s highest judicial officers.

He further claimed that constitutional safeguards meant to protect the independence of state institutions were disregarded.

He argued that the former Chief Justice’s removal has sent a worrying signal to judges and public officials that exercising independence could come with consequences.

The NPP Communications Director accused President John Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of weakening state institutions and seeking to exert political control over the judiciary, which he said should operate independently of partisan influence.

Mr. Ahiagba described Justice Torkornoo’s attempt to defend her rights and office as a significant moment in Ghana’s democratic history and called on a future government to investigate and address what he considers an injustice against her.

He further urged Ghanaians, irrespective of their political affiliation, to speak against any actions that could undermine judicial independence, warning that a weakened judiciary poses a threat to every citizen.

Mr. Ahiagba called on supporters of democracy to channel their concerns into political action and work towards voting the NDC out of power in the 2028 general elections.

The ECOWAS Court of Justice recently dismissed all seven claims brought by former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo against the Republic of Ghana, including her claim for damages, ruling that Ghana had not violated her rights under the African Charter as alleged.

By: Jacob Aggrey

The Member of Parliament for Gomoa Central, Kwame Asare Obeng, popularly known as A Plus, says the proposed Gomoa Eco Park in the Yenku Forest will become the biggest eco-tourism park in Africa and could rival the famous Kakum National Park.

Speaking in an interview with the ghanaiantimes.com.gh, the MP said the development would transform tourism in the Central Region and attract visitors from across the country and beyond.

He said the park would feature several attractions, including canopy walks, glass walkways, zip lines, hiking trails, quad biking and an increase in the forest’s animal population.

“We are going to do everything in that forest,” he said, adding that the project would make Gomoa a major tourism destination.

Mr. Obeng urged authorities at Kakum to invest more in their facilities and expand their offerings to remain competitive.

“If you are in Kakum, start looking for investment and start expanding and making it better because what we are going to do in the Yenku Forest, if you’re not careful, nobody will come to you,” he said.

The MP announced plans to introduce a hot air balloon attraction from Kenya during next year’s Easter celebrations in Gomoa.

According to him, the initiative forms part of a broader plan to turn the area into one of Ghana’s leading tourism destinations.

He further disclosed plans to build an artificial waterfall and dancing fountains that would be visible from the Lagos-Abidjan Highway at night.

Mr. Obeng expressed confidence that the tourism projects would be completed during the tenure of President John Dramani Mahama and would help position Ghana as Africa’s premier tourism destination.

He said the government and local authorities are committed to ensuring that the vision for Gomoa becomes a reality.

By: Jacob Aggrey