NPP, Other Parties Set for May 5 Protest Over Chief Justice’s Suspension
Coalition decries judicial interference, plans nationwide protest to defend constitutional order
A coalition of political parties, led by the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has announced plans to stage a nationwide protest on Monday, May 5, in response to the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
According to the group, the demonstration is aimed at defending Ghana’s constitutional principles and safeguarding the independence of the judiciary. The decision to protest was reached during an emergency meeting held on Thursday, April 24, 2025.
Other participating parties include the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), National Democratic Party (NDP), People’s National Party (PNP), and Ghana Union Movement (GUM), among others.
Chief Justice Torkornoo was suspended by President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday, April 22, following the establishment of a prima facie case related to three separate petitions seeking her removal. The action, taken under Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution and in consultation with the Council of State, has led to the formation of a five-member committee to investigate the allegations.
In a joint statement issued on Friday, April 25, the coalition of parties strongly criticized the suspension, describing it as a direct attack on the independence of the judiciary.
“This blatant disregard for the rule of law is not just a political issue—it strikes at the heart of our democracy,” the statement read.
The group also accused the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) of engaging in a long-standing pattern of judicial intimidation. They cited a previous attempt in 2010 to remove then-Chief Justice Georgina Theodora Wood as an example of similar actions by the NDC.
Organizers say the May 5 protest seeks to raise awareness about what they view as a growing threat to the rule of law and democratic governance in the country.
