By Daniel Bampoe
In a powerful display of bipartisan solidarity, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Monday joined forces with various opposition parties in a massive demonstration through the streets of Accra to protest what they describe as the unconstitutional suspension of Ghana’s Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
Early Morning Mobilization
Protesters, clad in symbolic red and black, began assembling at the Obra Spot near Kwame Nkrumah Circle as early as 6:00 a.m.
By 7:00 a.m., thousands had filled the streets, carrying placards that read, “Hands Off the Judiciary,” “Justice for Torkornoo,” and “Defend the Rule of Law.”
The charged atmosphere was unified by a common message: resistance to executive interference in Ghana’s judiciary.
Petitioning the Judiciary
The first destination for the demonstrators was the Supreme Court.
There, a delegation led by NPP Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, along with Communications Director Richard Ahiagba and MP for Nhyeaso Stephen Amoah, presented a formal petition to the Judicial Secretary on behalf of the Chief Justice.
In the petition, the group decried the suspension of Justice Torkornoo as “politically motivated” and an affront to the independence of the judiciary.
They demanded her immediate reinstatement and called on the judiciary to resist executive overreach.
March to Parliament
From the Supreme Court, the demonstrators proceeded to Parliament House under heavy police escort.
The route was lined with both supporters and curious onlookers, with police maintaining order despite the growing crowd and high political tension.
Executive Interference
Speaking to the gathered crowd, Nhyeaso MP Stephen Amoah—popularly known as Sticka—accused the administration of using authoritarian tactics to intimidate independent institutions.
“Today, it is the Chief Justice. Tomorrow, it could be any of us,” Amoah warned.
“We must defend the Constitution with all our might before our democracy is dismantled bit by bit.”
Other speakers echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that Ghana’s democracy rests on the separation of powers, and tampering with the judiciary threatens national stability and investor confidence.
Background
Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, Ghana’s Chief Justice, was suspended last two weeks by executive directive.
The presidency cited alleged misconduct and judicial bias, but critics have dismissed the claims as baseless and politically motivated
The decision has triggered nationwide backlash and drawn sharp criticism from civil society organizations, bar associations, and international observers.
Many see the suspension as part of a broader pattern of executive interference in constitutionally independent institutions—a trend that has been increasingly documented by governance watchdogs.
Peaceful Protest
Despite the large turnout, the demonstration remained peaceful throughout.
The Ghana Police Service deployed significant personnel to ensure public order, and no major disturbances were reported by midday.
Growing Political Fallout
Monday’s protest marks a rare moment of unity among traditionally divided political factions, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Legal analysts warn that the executive’s move could trigger a constitutional crisis if unchecked.
However, as the controversy continues to unfold, calls are growing louder for President Mahama to reverse the suspension and reaffirm his administration’s commitment to judicial independence.
