A coalition of political parties, led by the New Patriotic Party (NPP), is set to stage a demonstration in Accra today, May 5, in protest against the controversial suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
The joint parties views the suspension as a politically motivated attack on judicial independence, orchestrated by political actors from the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Other political parties participating in the demonstration include the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), National Democratic Party (NDP), People’s National Party (PNP), and Ghana Union Movement (GUM).
The Miniority caucus in parliament has thrown its weight behind the demonstration.
Save the Judiciary Demo details
Protesters will converge at the Car Park Opposite the Supreme Court and adjacent to Nkrumah’s Mausoleum/Memorial Park.
Converging time is 5am, dress code, red and black.
They plan is to deliver three petitions — one to the Supreme Court, another to Parliament House, and the final one to Jubilee House, which will be the last stop of the protest.
Background
President John Dramani Mahama, on Tuesday, April 22, suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkonoo after a prima facie case was established based on three separate petitions calling for her removal.
The move was executed under Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution, following consultations with the Council of State.
The President’s action has been sharply criticised by opposition parties and several civil society voices, who argue that it undermines the independence of the judiciary and sets a dangerous precedent, with the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) seeking the revocation of the suspension.
