Thousands of Ghanaians Protest Nationwide Against Suspension of Chief Justice
Today, 5th May, thousands of Ghanaians are expected to participate in a nationwide protest organized by the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) in response to the recent suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo.
The demonstration, themed ‘Save Our Judiciary’, is a collaborative effort involving four other political parties: the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), the National Democratic Party (NDP), the People’s National Party (PNP), and the Ghana Union Movement (GUM).
The protest is scheduled to commence at 5:00 a.m. from the area opposite the Supreme Court, proceed past Parliament House, and culminate at Jubilee House, where a formal petition will be presented to the presidency.
In a joint statement released on 24th April, the parties accused the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) of engaging in a deliberate campaign to intimidate and undermine the judiciary.
They condemned the suspension of the Chief Justice as “unlawful” and a “blatant disregard for the rule of law”.
The statement also alleged that President John Mahama is trying to manipulate the judiciary to validate a controversial bid for a third term in office.
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Chief Justice Torkornoo was suspended on Tuesday, 22nd April, in accordance with Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution.
The decision came after consultations between President Mahama and the Council of State, following the establishment of a prima facie case based on three separate petitions against her.
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The establishment of a committee, chaired by Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang of the Supreme Court, to investigate the allegations is in line with constitutional provisions.
The suspension of the Chief Justice has sparked a heated debate across the country, with legal experts, civil society organizations, and political commentators offering varying perspectives on the legality and timing of the suspension.