A coalition of four political parties on Monday May 5, 2025, would state a nationwide street protest against the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo and to call for an immediate revocation of that suspension.
At an emergency meeting held on Thursday, April 24, 2025, the political parties, namely, New Patriotic Party (NPP), Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), National Democratic Party (NDP) and People’s National Party (PNP), resolved to that the suspension of the Chief Justice is unlawful and they would therefore stand up in defense of Ghana’s constitution to promote and safeguard the country’s democracy.
The political parties described the suspension as a blatant disregard for the rule of law and an assault on democracy by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) led government.
A statement, jointly signed by the parties noted:
“This nationwide demonstration is not about politics; it is about principle. 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.
“To the silent majority: a call to defend our democracy is now. The orchestrated attempt to remove the Chief Justice is not an isolated development; it represents a calculated and far-reaching agenda by the opposition NDC to systematically compromise the independence of key constitutional bodies.
“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.
“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.”
The statement alleged a trend of judicial intimidation by the NDC and added that a case in reference was when the NDC in 2010 wanted remove Ghana’s first female Chief Justice, Georgina Theodora Wood.
The statement added: “History is being repeated today. The NDC’s obsession with capturing and controlling every arm of government, even the independent judiciary, is playing out before our eyes. We must not remain silent.
“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. The time has come for all well-meaning political parties, civil society groups, Christian Council, Ghana Pentecostal Council, All religious groups and patriotic citizens to rise in protest against the unlawful and politically motivated suspension of the Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana.”
