Henry Nana Boakye
A coalition of political parties, including the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has announced plans to stage a nationwide march on Monday, May 5, 2025 to protest the suspension of Justice Gertrude Torkornoo as the Chief Justice.
The parties, during an emergency meeting held on Thursday, April 24, 2025, indicated that the protest is a stand in defense of Ghana’s constitutional order and the independence of the judiciary.
Other participating parties include the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), National Democratic Party (NDP), People’s National Party (PNP), Ghana Union Movement (GUM), among others.
President John Dramani Mahama suspended Chief Justice Torkornoo on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 after a prima facie case was established in relation to three separate petitions calling for her removal.
The decision was made under Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution, following consultations with the Council of State.
A five-member committee has since been formed to investigate the allegations.
More Protests
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) said the National Democratic Congress (NDC) should brace for a wave of protests in response to the suspension of Justice Gertrude Torkornoo – a move the opposition describes as unconstitutional and dangerous.
Addressing party supporters, the NPP’s National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye, popularly known as Nana B, declared that the party would not remain silent over what it calls an assault on the judiciary.
“Expect massive protests from us. We will agitate. We will not sit down quietly. This is unconstitutional,” Nana B declared.
The NPP has labeled the development as part of an “evil agenda” to undermine the independence of the judiciary.
At an event organised by the party, Nana B accused President Mahama and the NDC of orchestrating a “constitutional coup” to remove the Chief Justice.
According to him, this was premeditated during the NDC’s 2024 campaign.
“President Mahama’s relentless attempts to remove the Chief Justice is clearly a fulfilment of the political promise made by the NDC prior to the 2024 elections,” Nana B later emphasised in a Facebook post.
He described the suspension as a “violent political agenda clothed in constitutional garment” and urged all Ghanaians to rise in defense of democratic values and the rule of law.
“The time to speak up, protest, agitate, and demonstrate… is NOW,” he declared, rallying citizens to resist what he described as an attempt to compromise the country’s judicial independence.
The NPP’s call adds to growing political tensions across the country, with legal experts, civil society organisations, and opposition voices warning that tampering with the judiciary could have far-reaching consequences for Ghana’s democracy.
By Ernest Kofi Adu