In defense of Ghana’s democracy, the Minority Caucus in Parliament has pledged full support for the nationwide protest organized by some political parties scheduled for May 5, 2025.
This bold show of solidarity with political parties and civil actors comes in response to what the Minority calls an “unlawful suspension” of the Chief Justice and a string of politically motivated terminations of public servants.
In a strongly worded statement signed by Hon. Annoh-Dompreh, Minority Chief Whip, the caucus warned that the country is entering dangerous territory.
The recent actions by the executive, they argued, are eroding democratic norms and undermining judicial independence.
“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.
“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.”
Minority Caucus
The primary concern is safeguarding Ghana’s democracy—a duty the Minority Caucus believes rests with all citizens. From their perspective, remaining silent in the face of constitutional violations amounts to passive complicity.
The statement also emphasized that the protest stems from deeper national concerns, particularly the increasing erosion of legal norms and constitutional order.
It pointed to the suspension of the Chief Justice as a glaring example of how judicial independence is being undermined.
According to the organizers, such acts reflect a troubling pattern of sidelining due process and intimidating the judiciary—actions they see as a direct threat to Ghana’s democracy and a serious reversal of the hard-won gains in upholding the rule of law.
One particularly alarming assertion by the Minority is the alleged orchestration to reinterpret Article 66(2) of the 1992 Constitution, purportedly to open the door for a third-term presidential bid by former President John Mahama.
Describing such moves as “a clear abuse of the power and trust the people of Ghana place in the hands of the executive,” the statement painted a grim picture of governance increasingly detached from constitutional accountability.
Public Lay-Offs Threaten Democracy
The Minority Caucus also raised alarm over the continued dismissal of public servants, which they argue is being carried out under the pretense of political transition.
They described these actions as detrimental to national cohesion, undermining professional integrity, and economic fairness.
The statement emphasized that many of these terminations appear to be driven by perceived political loyalties rather than any proven wrongdoing or incompetence, creating widespread uncertainty and disillusionment—particularly among young professionals across the country.
“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.
“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 first Meeting to narrate the adverse effects such executive decisions are having on the ordinary citizens who are losing their jobs.”
Minority Caucus
The Minority Caucus maintained that the protest is not a spontaneous reaction but the result of consistent, overlooked warnings about creeping threats to Ghana’s democratic order.
They stressed that past experiences have shown the dangers of remaining silent amid growing signs of constitutional erosion and governance abuse.
While critics may attempt to frame the protest as politically motivated, the Minority strongly rejected that view, emphasizing that their stance is rooted in principle, not partisanship.
They expressed solidarity with all participating political parties and citizens who value democratic ideals, calling for continued peaceful protests to defend judicial independence, uphold the rule of law, and protect Ghana’s constitutional integrity.
The caucus called for a renewed national resolve, urging Ghanaians not to stand on the sidelines. “We must rise in unity and resolve, not as spectators, but as defenders of the Republic. The time to act is now.”
The May 5 protest may just be one march through the streets, but according to the Minority, it represents a march against impunity and the creeping erosion of democratic values.
If successful, it could be a turning point—one that reminds the powerful that the people still hold the ultimate mandate in Ghana’s democratic journey.
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