Afenyo-Markin stands by 'grand conspiracy' claim on Torkornoo removal: 'It's my opinion'
Minority Leader Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin has doubled down on his explosive claim that former Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo was pushed out of office through a grand conspiracy, insisting his assertion is based on a careful reading of events and his personal conviction.
Speaking on The KSM Show, Afenyo-Markin said Justice Torkornoo's removal was politically motivated and rooted in an internal power struggle within Ghana's judiciary. He acknowledged his conclusion is an opinion, but he is not backing down.
What did Afenyo-Markin say about the 'grand conspiracy'?
According to the Minority Leader, the conspiracy was not a wild theory but a reflection of institutional politics at play.
My Lady Justice Araba Esaaba Torkornoo, the former chief justice, was hounded out of office for political reasons. I have added that there was a grand conspiracy by her own colleagues against her. I have stated that point.
He explained that the grand conspiracy refers to a long-standing turf war within the judiciary, where senior judges may have felt overlooked or more deserving of the top job.
Why does he believe Torkornoo was removed?
Afenyo-Markin pointed to internal competition for leadership as the driving force behind the former Chief Justice's exit.
The grand conspiracy here that I'm talking about, is there has always been a turf war.
He added that some members of the institution may have believed they were more qualified or senior and deserved to become Chief Justice, creating a toxic environment.
I understand the grand conspiracy within the context of institutional politics where within the institution itself, there was some politics within the institution for leadership and people feeling that, 'oh, I am senior to this person, I should have been the chief justice. I know this person doesn't deserve to be chief justice'.
What about the current Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie?
The Minority Leader has been direct in naming the current Chief Justice as the alleged grand conspirator. In an interview on August 18, 2026, he accused Justice Baffoe-Bonnie and other Supreme Court judges of playing a role in Torkornoo's removal.
My Lord was part of the grand conspiracy against his predecessor, Gertrude Torkornoo. It was a grand conspiracy. Why should I deny what I know? I know even the Supreme Court judges who conspired against their colleague.
He also hinted at a fuller revelation in the future, saying, One day, the full story will be told.
Is Afenyo-Markin open to disagreement?
Yes. The Minority Leader acknowledged that others may see things differently, but he remains firm in his position.
I am saying that there was a grand conspiracy to get her out and it was as a result of internal power struggle for the headship of the institution. I am concluding based on all the happenings and the happenings leading to a removal is the evidence. Simplicita. You can disagree with me. That is my opinion of things. That is my understanding of things.
What happens next for Torkornoo?
Afenyo-Markin has previously called for Torkornoo's reinstatement should the NPP return to power, a stance he reiterated in the interview.
I said during our demonstration that I do not see why that woman should not be reinstated when the NPP comes back to power. She has to be reinstated.
The debate over Torkornoo's removal continues to stir conversation across Ghana, with legal experts, politicians, and citizens weighing in on the future of judicial independence and leadership.
Frequently asked questions about the Torkornoo removal controversy
What is the 'grand conspiracy' claim about?
The claim suggests that former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo was removed due to internal political maneuvering and competition within the judiciary, not purely on merit or due process.
Who is accused of being part of the conspiracy?
Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin has named current Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie and other Supreme Court judges as alleged participants in the plot.
Has Afenyo-Markin provided evidence?
He has not presented formal evidence but says his conclusion is based on his assessment of events leading up to Torkornoo's removal. He has promised that the full story will eventually be told.
What has been the reaction so far?
The claims have sparked debate, with supporters of Torkornoo calling for transparency and critics questioning the basis of the allegations. The judiciary has not issued an official response to the latest comments.