By Daniel Bampoe
The Minority Caucus in Parliament has declared its unwavering support for a nationwide demonstration scheduled for Monday, May 5, 2025, led by a coalition of political parties protesting what they describe as an assault on Ghana’s democracy.
The group’s stance was made clear in a statement released on April 30, where they cited growing concerns about judicial interference, unconstitutional dismissals of public servants, and alleged plans to manipulate constitutional provisions for political gain.
According to the statement signed by the Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, the Caucus said“The country is indeed tense over the recent unlawful suspension of Ghana’s Chief Justice and the politically motivated termination of appointments of public servants. To this, the Minority Caucus in Parliament stands in firm solidarity with the political parties who have called for a nationwide demonstration on Monday, 5th May, 2025 to defend our democracy.”
The demonstration is being organized by the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), the National Democratic Party (NDP), the People’s National Party (PNP), and other aligned political movements.
In the eyes of the Minority Caucus, this is more than a political protest—it is a civic and constitutional responsibility.
“The demonstration—led by the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), National Democratic Party (NDP), People’s National Party (PNP), and other like-minded political organizations—is not just a political action, but a constitutional imperative,” the statement reads.
“It seeks to draw the attention of the nation and the international community to the increasing threats to judicial independence, constitutional order, and democratic governance in Ghana.”
The Minority Caucus emphasized that the public outcry is justified and rooted in legitimate fears about the trajectory of governance in the country.
“The Minority Caucus echoes those concerns that are sending patriotic Ghanaians to the streets, to be seen and heard by all, in a single cry for order and sanity in our governance today,” the release noted.
The statement directly criticized the suspension of the Chief Justice, stating, “The blatant disregard for legal processes and the growing trend of judicial intimidation, as witnessed in the Chief Justice’s suspension, represents a direct assault on the progress made in our legacy of democratic governance and rule of law.”
Perhaps most controversially, the Caucus suggested that these developments may be part of a broader agenda to alter constitutional term limits.
“Be it an attempt to create an environment to conveniently reinterpret Article 66(2) of the Constitution—to pave the way for a third-term presidential bid by former President John Mahama—such orchestrations are a clear abuse of the power and trust the people of Ghana place in the hands of the executive,” the statement warned.
The Caucus also voiced concern over the termination of public servants believed to be politically motivated.
“The unlawful termination of public servants under the guise of political change is a blow to national stability, professional integrity, and economic justice,” they declared.
“It is unacceptable for such actions to take root and characterize the period of a change of administration, knowing with certainty the negative effects those decisions have on the youth and more so knowing it is the injudicious motive of perceived affiliations that fuel this agenda.”
Adding to the list of concerns was the alleged plan to remove the Electoral Commission’s Chairperson and her deputies.
“Other equally troubling concerns are indications that there are plans in motion to remove the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission and her deputies. Consequently, these actions, if allowed to proceed, risk plunging Ghana into a crisis of legitimacy,” the Caucus warned.
The group drew a link between the protest and the ongoing efforts by their MPs in Parliament.
“Nonetheless, the Caucus is again strengthened by this protest which is in tandem with the very calls many of our Members have made on the floor of the House in its 1st Meeting to narrate the adverse effects such executive decisions are having on the ordinary citizens who are losing their jobs,” they stated.
Underscoring the urgency, the statement added, “History has shown us the consequences of silence in the face of democratic backsliding and we cannot afford to ignore the repetition of these dangerous patterns.”
“We strongly reject these developments and all attempts to manipulate constitutional provisions or tamper with the impartiality of the judiciary.”
Ending on a note of civic encouragement, the Minority Caucus called on all Ghanaians to join the protest.
“We therefore stand in solidarity with the political parties, together with every citizen who cherishes democracy, to urge the peaceful protestors on. This is not about partisanship. This is about principle. It is about preserving the rule of law, ensuring the independence of the judiciary, and protecting the constitutional fabric of our beloved nation.”
“We must rise in unity and resolve, not as spectators, but as defenders of the Republic. The time to act is now,” the statement concluded.
