Four Political Parties Join NPP to Protest over CJ Suspension
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has rallied the support of four political parties to protest against the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo by President John Dramani Mahama.
The nationwide protest slated for May 5, 2025, will be joined by the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), National Democratic Party (NDP), People’s National Party (PNP) and the Ghana Union Movement (GUM).
A joint statement issued by the parties said they resolved to hold the protest at an emergency meeting held on Thursday, April 24, 2025, in an “unwavering defence of Ghana’s constitutional order and judicial independence.”
“This protest is a clarion call to all citizens: stand for justice, defend democracy, and protect our constitutional order. We will not allow political power to erode the foundations of our republic. Let it be known: Ghanaians will not sit idly by while the independence of the judiciary is dismantled.”
It described the action of the President as a “reckless assault” on judicial independence and a systematic attempt to compromise the independence of key constitutional bodies, adding that it is a “dangerous” threat to the 1992 Constitution.
According to the statement, the President further plans to pursue the removal of the Electoral Commission Chairperson.
“Intelligence within political circles strongly suggests that efforts are already underway to petition for the removal of the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission and her deputies. With a handpicked Chief Justice potentially presiding over judicial decisions, this move would pave the way for full political control over Ghana’s democratic institutions.”
These actions of the President, they alleged, are geared towards securing a third term in office.
“Even more concerning is what lies ahead: a covert plan to pursue constitutional interpretation at the Supreme Court once reconstituted with loyalist appointments to challenge the conventional reading of Article 66(2). The ultimate goal? The ultimate goal is to legitimize John Mahama’s bid for a third term as president in the 2028 general elections.”
Convincing all stakeholders to join, it was noted that it was not a political protest.
“It is about protecting our Constitution. It is about ensuring that the judiciary remains the last bastion of our democracy. It is about saying no to impunity. We call on every Ghanaian who believes in the rule of law, justice, and the stability of our Republic to join this protest. This is a fight for Ghana. This is a fight for our future. This is a fight for justice.”
Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini
