Four political parties have declared their unanimous intention to demonstrate against what they described as unlawful suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo and the mass dismissal of public sector workers by the Mahama government.
The demonstration scheduled to take place on May 5, 2025, is to showcase the unwavering defence of Ghana’s constitutional order and judicial independence.
Participating political parties are the main opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), National Democratic Party (NDP) and People’s National Party (NPP).
The decision to hit the streets, according to a statement signed by the four parties, was taken at an emergency meeting held on Thursday, April 24, 2025.
President John Dramani Mahama suspended Chief Justice Torkornoo on Tuesday April 22, 2025 after a prima facie case was established against her in relation to three separate petitions calling for her removal from office.
In addition to this, the Mahama government has dismissed thousands of public sector workers legally employed by the previous NPP government.
According to the political parties, the blatant disregard for the rule of law is not merely a political matter but rather an assault on the very soul of the country’s democracy.
“The disturbing trend of judicial intimidation by the NDC is not new. The pattern is undeniable. A case in reference is the NDC failed plot in 2010 to remove Ghana’s first female Chief Justice, Georgina Theodora Wood.
“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,” the statement reiterated.
Resisting oppressor’s rule
The statement reaffirmed the commitment of all well-meaning Ghanaians to resist oppressor’s rule and stop political power from eroding the foundations of the country.
“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.
“This reckless assault on the independence of the judiciary is not just an attack on one individual; it is a dangerous affront to the very Constitution that binds our democracy together. Ghanaians must not forget the chilling legacy of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) when it comes to the judiciary.
“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.
“Unlawful Termination of Appointments”
Creating jobs for the youth is a national priority, but it must not come at the cost of unlawfully terminating the hard-earned appointments of innocent public servants. Is this the future Mahama promised? A regime of fear, where livelihoods are sacrificed on the altar of political vengeance?
“The signs of tyranny are clear. The posture of insensitivity and vindictiveness under Mahama’s leadership must be confronted head-on. Ghanaians must rise not in silence, but in defiance to protect their dignity, their jobs, and their democracy.
“To remain indifferent in the face of such developments is to silently endorse the erosion of our democratic foundations and the rise of an authoritarian state,” the statement concluded.
