When we use the law to mask political mischief - CY Pitt writes

Fellow Ghanaians, let us begin today's reflection with a passage from Psalm 94 (King James Version), reading from verse 20: "Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth MISCHIEF by a law?"

[Note: The throne of power often masks it's political mischief under the guise of applying the law]. 21 "They gather themselves together against the soul of the righteous, and condemn the innocent blood. 22 But the Lord is my defence; and my God is the rock of my refuge. 23 And He shall bring upon them their own iniquity, and shall cut them off in their own wickedness; yea, the Lord our God shall cut them off."

Here ends the reading of the Holy Word. And now, our short sermon for today:

Long before the 2024 elections, the party then in Opposition promised they would remove the Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkonoo, at all costs, should they win power. And they have.  

Such purely political manoeuvres are common in various jurisdictions, but are often camouflaged by a "law", as exposed in Psalm 94:20.

Examples abound in history, from Jezebel's false accusations and subsequent murder of Naboth, in order to annex his family lands, to the unlawful arrest and beheading of John the Baptist. 

Of course, the most infamous example of this kind of chicanery is the Pharisees' crucifixion of the innocent Jesus Christ, under the pretext that He had broken a law.

It is one thing to manipulate the judiciary by appointing judges sympathetic to a party. It happens in other jurisdictions. But to falsely accuse a Chief Justice, in order to achieve that political objective, is regrettable.

And when professing Christians engage in this Machiavellian skullduggery, observers cannot take them seriously. By their fruits, ye shall know them.

As we speak, no one is quite sure what heinous crimes the Chief Justice is supposed to have committed to warrant this kangaroo trial and dubious conviction. 

A former Chief Justice, Sophia Akuffo, has been very critical of the process, noting that the charade was akin to a treason trial, when in fact, the charges brought were minor and did not warrant a removal at all. And she should know. She's a legal expert among legal experts. 

Be that as it may, the powers that be have had their way, and some government officials are gloating in their "victory".  On my part, I have sent a message to the now former Chief Justice to take heart and rejoice in the Lord, for things could have been much worse. 

Just yesterday, the Vice Chairman of the ruling party made public threats to the Minority Leader, coldly declaring that after he had dealt with him, there would be a by-election in the Minority Leader's parliamentary constituency. God help us! 

So in the current hostile political climate, Justice Gertrude Torkonoo has come off lightly. After all, as we all know, her political persecutors have a horrific record of burning up judges who do not side with them.

And who can forget the fiery threats of death against Supreme Court and High Court judges, by the ruling party's Montie FM trio a few years ago? 

Given this history, I would count myself very fortunate indeed if I were in her shoes. Rejection is often God's protection.

Now, if this simple sermon makes the ruling class angry, embarrassed, and defensive, may I humbly suggest they direct their anger at those guilty of these heinous, unforgettable crimes, please. 

Brothers and Sisters, we must all remember that we also have an unavoidable, impending trial, where we shall give account for all our actions in this life. So in our dealings with one another, may we be ever mindful of that Divine appointment. God bless us all. Amen.

Shall we pray. 🙏🏾

©️2025 C.Y.Pitt.