A coalition of opposition political parties, led by the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has announced a nationwide protest scheduled for Monday, May 5, in response to the recent suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo by President John Dramani Mahama.
The decision to stage the demonstration was finalized during an emergency meeting of the coalition on Thursday, April 24, and is being framed as a unified call to defend Ghana’s constitutional integrity and the independence of the judiciary.
In a joint statement issued Friday, the parties described the suspension as a “direct assault on the judiciary” and a dangerous precedent that undermines the rule of law.
They further accused the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) of engaging in a persistent campaign to erode judicial autonomy.
“The blatant disregard for the rule of law is not merely a political matter but rather an assault on the very soul of our democracy,” the coalition’s statement read.
It also referenced historical attempts to undermine the judiciary, including a failed effort in 2010 to oust then-Chief Justice Georgina Theodora Wood.
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President Mahama suspended Chief Justice Torkornoo on Tuesday, April 22, citing Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution.
The decision followed the establishment of a prima facie case based on three separate petitions seeking her removal. A five-member committee has since been constituted to investigate the allegations, after consultations with the Council of State.
Joining the NPP in the protest are the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), National Democratic Party (NDP), People’s National Party (PNP), Ghana Union Movement (GUM), and other opposition-aligned parties.
Organizers say the protest will spotlight what they view as an escalating threat to democratic governance in Ghana, emphasizing the need for citizens to rally in defense of institutional independence and constitutional order.
Further details regarding protest routes, security arrangements, and participation guidelines are expected in the coming days.
