A coalition led by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is staging a protest in Accra in order to demand the reinstatement of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, whose suspension by President John Dramani Mahama has sparked widespread backlash from some political quarters.
Early on Monday, May 5, protesters gathered at a designated parking lot across from the Supreme Court in anticipation of the demonstration along the major street of the capital, Accra.
According to organizers of the demonstration, the protest is to uphold judicial independence and condemn what they call a politically driven and unconstitutional act by suspending the Chief Justice.
Other political parties, including the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), National Democratic Party (NDP), People’s National Party (PNP), and the Ghana Union Movement (GUM) have all joined the NPP in the protest.
The group says the suspension of the Chief Justice threaten the foundations of Ghana’s democratic system.
Protesters besieged the Supreme Court on Monday to deliver a petition to the leadership of the Judiciary.
In addition, formal petitions will be delivered to both Parliament and the Office of the President, urging a reversal of the decision to enforce stronger protections for judicial independence.
