By Daniel Bampoe
National Chairperson of the People’s National Party (PNP), Janet Asana Nabla, has launched a scathing attack on President John Dramani Mahama, accusing him and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of attempting to hijack Ghana’s judicial system for partisan gain.
Speaking during the Inter-Political Parties “Save the Judiciary” Press Conference held at the NPP Headquarters in Accra today, ahead of the planned May 5th demonstration, Jane Nabla did not mince words, declaring, “Ghana is not his private property. The Judiciary does not belong to the NDC. And the women of Ghana will not be silenced.”
The PNP leader emphasized that their support for the upcoming protest is not rooted in partisan interest but in the defense of constitutional order and democratic governance.
“This is not a partisan demonstration; it is a people’s demonstration. And the PNP cannot sit on the fence while President Mahama and the NDC attempt to hijack and destroy the last institution of hope left for the people – the Judiciary,” she stated.
Historical Context and Accusations
Janet Nabla’s remarks come on the back of ongoing political controversy surrounding recent appointments and actions by the Mahama-led administration following his re-election.
Critics, including the PNP, have accused Mahama of making sweeping changes to the Supreme Court with the intent of diluting judicial independence.
“President Mahama has already taken control of the Executive and Parliament. Now, he is determined to seize the Judiciary,” Nabla warned, referencing Mahama’s campaign pledge to a group of NDC-aligned lawyers to rebalance the courts.
“He is appointing Supreme Court judges – not to serve justice, but to carry out his party’s agenda,” she alleged.
According to her, Mahama has so far appointed seven new Supreme Court judges without proper constitutional justification.
“This is not balance; it is blatant politicization of justice,” she said.
Janet Nabla further criticized the President’s alleged mishandling of a petition against the Chief Justice.
She claimed Mahama “bypassed natural justice by rushing the matter to the Council of State,” and flouted a court injunction by proceeding with the suspension of the Chief Justice.
“This is a president who believes he is above the law,” she added.
Gender Representation and Affirmative Action
Beyond judicial concerns, the PNP flagbearer condemned the President’s failure to uphold gender equity in governance.
“Despite Parliament passing the Affirmative Action Bill to ensure 30% representation of women, President Mahama has refused to implement it,” Nabla said.
She noted that only 10% of cabinet positions and 14% of deputy ministerial appointments have gone to women under Mahama’s new administration.
“Even the few women in leadership roles are being illegally removed by his government through unconstitutional and predetermined actions,” she alleged, calling the trend a betrayal of the progress Ghanaian women have fought for.
A Call to Action
Janet Nabla’s address was a rallying cry to Ghanaians—particularly women—across political lines to join the May 5th demonstration in defense of the Judiciary and democracy.
“We are calling on all Ghanaians—especially the women of Ghana—to rise and be heard,” she urged. “We call on women across political divides, including courageous women within the NDC, to stand up against this tyranny and injustice.”
Ending her speech on a defiant note, she declared, “Let our voices thunder through the streets on May 5th. Let Mahama hear us loud and clear: Ghana belongs to the people, not to a political party!”
The PNP has thrown its weight behind what is shaping up to be a major political showdown, aligning itself with other parties and civil society organizations seeking to resist what they see as authoritarian encroachment on Ghana’s democratic institutions.
