Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has made a sharp U-turn on his allegation that Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie was part of a “grand conspiracy” against his predecessor, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, admitting that the claim was based on his personal opinions, beliefs and feelings rather than evidence.
Mr Afenyo-Markin made the admission during an interview on The KSM Show, after being pressed to substantiate his earlier allegation against the Chief Justice.
He said his claim that Justice Baffoe-Bonnie was involved in a plot against Justice Torkornoo was not supported by evidence.
“My allegation of grand conspiracy by Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie against Gertrude Torkornoo is based on personal opinions, beliefs and feelings, not evidence,” he said.
The admission marks a significant shift from comments the Effutu MP made on Atinka TV, where he accused Justice Baffoe-Bonnie of being part of what he described as a “grand conspiracy” against Justice Torkornoo.
“My Lord Baffoe-Bonnie was part of the grand conspiracy against her predecessor, Gertrude Torkornoo,” Mr Afenyo-Markin had alleged.
“It was a grand conspiracy. Because he wants to be the Chief Justice. Obviously. Why? Why should I deny that?” he added.
Mr Afenyo-Markin made the allegations while discussing the circumstances surrounding the removal of Justice Torkornoo and the subsequent appointment of Justice Baffoe-Bonnie as Chief Justice.
He further alleged that some Supreme Court judges were involved in the events leading to Justice Torkornoo’s removal, insisting that the full circumstances would eventually become known.
“He knows, I know, the Supreme Court judges are—you know—who conspired against their colleague. But one day, the true story will be told,” he said.
Justice Torkornoo was removed from office in September 2025 following proceedings under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.
The process followed petitions alleging misconduct against her and was conducted by a committee of inquiry chaired by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang.
Despite conceding that his “grand conspiracy” allegation lacks evidence, Mr Afenyo-Markin has maintained his position that Justice Torkornoo should be reinstated.
“I don’t see why that woman will not be reinstated. She has to be reinstated,” he said.
The Minority Leader has consistently criticised the process that led to Justice Torkornoo’s removal, describing the committee’s work as a “travesty of justice”.
During the vetting of Justice Baffoe-Bonnie for the Chief Justice position in November 2025, Mr Afenyo-Markin also questioned aspects of the proceedings and raised concerns about the handling of the petitions against Justice Torkornoo.
He has argued that procedural issues surrounding the inquiry require further scrutiny, particularly the manner in which multiple petitions against the former Chief Justice were handled.
The NPP has repeatedly accused the NDC government of undermining judicial independence through Justice Torkornoo’s removal, while the government has defended the process as a constitutional exercise.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie was subsequently approved by Parliament and assumed office as Chief Justice despite opposition from the Minority.
