NPP, Other Political Parties to Protest Against CJ’s Suspension on May 5

A coalition of political parties, led by the New Patriotic Party (NPP), is set to hold a nationwide protest on Monday, May 5, in opposition to the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

The demonstration aims to defend Ghana’s constitutional framework and uphold the independence of the judiciary.

The decision to protest was made during an emergency meeting on Thursday, April 24, 2025, with participation from the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), the National Democratic Party (NDP), the People’s National Party (PNP), the Ghana Union Movement (GUM), and others.

Chief Justice Torkornoo was suspended on April 22, 2025, by President John Dramani Mahama, following the establishment of a prima facie case based on three separate petitions seeking her removal. This action was taken in accordance with Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution, following consultations with the Council of State. A five-member committee has been formed to investigate the allegations.

In a joint statement released on Friday, April 25, the political parties condemned the suspension, labeling it as a direct attack on judicial independence.

“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 statement read.

They further accused the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) of a persistent history of judicial intimidation, citing a failed attempt in 2010 to remove Ghana’s first female Chief Justice, Georgina Theodora Wood.

The protest is expected to highlight concerns over the growing threats to the rule of law and democratic governance in the country.