A coalition of political parties, led by the New Patriotic Party (NPP), is staging a large-scale demonstration in Accra today, Monday, May 5, to protest what they describe as the politically motivated suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
Joining the NPP in the protest are several allied groups, including the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), National Democratic Party (NDP), People’s National Party (PNP), and the Ghana Union Movement (GUM). These parties argue that the suspension poses a serious threat to the independence of Ghana’s judiciary and sets a dangerous precedent.
NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong condemned the suspension, calling it unconstitutional and a blow to public confidence in the judicial system. He further accused individuals linked to the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) of orchestrating the move as part of a broader campaign to influence the judiciary.
Demonstrators are marching through central Accra, turning the capital into the focal point of what is shaping up to be one of the most contentious legal and political disputes in recent history.
Supporters of the protest frame it as a necessary stand in defense of democracy. However, critics argue that the demonstration is an attempt by the NPP to politicize a constitutional process and disrupt the rule of law.
The Ghana Bar Association has also spoken out against the suspension, labeling it unconstitutional and demanding its immediate reversal.
Meanwhile, voices such as Dr. John Osae-Kwapong from CDD-Ghana have urged calm, advocating that the matter be resolved through constitutional mechanisms.
As political tensions rise ahead of the December elections, today’s protest could prove to be a defining moment in Ghana’s democratic journey.
Security forces have assured the public of their readiness to maintain peace, manage traffic, and ensure that the demonstration proceeds without incident.
