Members of the coalition of political parties in Ghana
A coalition of political parties in Ghana has formally petitioned the diplomatic community, urging international intervention following the recent suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkonoo by President John Dramani Mahama.
The petition, signed by representatives of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), National Democratic Party (NDP), Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), and People’s National Party (PNP), has alleged that the suspension is part of a broader attempt to undermine the judiciary and consolidate power within the ruling party.
President Mahama announced the Chief Justice’s suspension on April 22, 2025, citing three separate petitions submitted against her and the formation of a five-member committee to investigate the allegations.
According to a metrotvonline.com report on May 30,2025, while the move is constitutionally permitted, opposition leaders contended that the action is politically motivated.
“The independence of Ghana’s judiciary is under threat. This development risks eroding public confidence in our democratic institutions and could destabilise the country’s governance framework”, the report said.
The coalition’s statement contrasts Ghana’s longstanding reputation as a democratic stronghold in West Africa with recent incidents of political unrest in the region.
It has also accused the government of targeting political opponents, pointing to the recent arrests of several NPP officials as further evidence of a crackdown on dissent.
A public demonstration, themed, “Save the Judiciary,” was recently held in Accra, where protestors submitted petitions to the judiciary, legislature, and executive branches of government.
The demonstration called for the reinstatement of Chief Justice Torkonoo and the protection of judicial integrity.
As of now, there has been no official response from the presidency or the judiciary regarding the petition or the protest.
The coalition has therefore called on the international diplomatic corps to apply pressure on the Ghanaian government to reverse the suspension and uphold the principles of judicial independence and multiparty democracy.
MRA/EB
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