In an unprecedented show of unity, five political parties have joined forces to protest what they described as a dangerous attack on judicial independence following the suspension of Ghana’s Chief Justice and the termination of several public appointments.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP), the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), the National Democratic Party (NDP), the People’s National Party (PNP), and the Ghana Union Movement (GUM) have set Monday, May 5, 2025, for a massive nationwide demonstration to defend the country’s constitutional order.
In a joint statement released on Friday, 25th April 2025, after an emergency meeting held on April 24, the political parties called on Ghanaians to stand in solidarity and confront what they argued is an unfolding crisis of democracy.
“The political parties, namely, New Patriotic Party (NPP), Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), National Democratic Party (NDP), People’s National Party (PNP), Ghana Union Movement (GUM) and other political parties resolved to stand up in defense of our constitution to promote and safeguard our cherished democracy.”
NPP, LPG, NDP, PNP, GUM
At the core of their protest is what they believe is a politically motivated suspension of the Chief Justice—an act they claimed threatens the separation of powers and weakens Ghana’s democratic institutions.
The group accused the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) of orchestrating this move, drawing historical parallels to previous alleged attempts to undermine the judiciary.
“The disturbing trend of judicial intimidation by the NDC is not new. The pattern is undeniable. A case in reference is the NDC failed plot in 2010 to remove Ghana’s first female Chief Justice, Georgina Theodora Wood.”
NPP, LPG, NDP, PNP, GUM
According to the parties involved, the protest is framed not as a partisan affair but as a moral and national duty.
The parties emphasized that their call is to every Ghanaian who values the Constitution, the rule of law, and the sanctity of an independent judiciary. “This protest is a clarion call to all citizens: stand for justice, defend democracy, and protect our constitutional order.”
It doesn’t end there. The signatories warned that this is just the beginning of what they perceive as a deliberate power grab by the NDC.
Alleged Move to Remove EC Revealed Amid Growing Protest
Furthermore, sources within political circles indicate that the NDC government is allegedly taking steps to initiate the removal of the Electoral Commission Chairperson and her deputies.
According to intelligence cited by the parties, discussions and groundwork for such a petition are already in motion, raising concerns about a potential shake-up within one of the country’s most critical democratic institutions.
“With a handpicked Chief Justice potentially presiding over judicial decisions, this move would pave the way for full political control over Ghana’s democratic institutions.”
NPP, LPG, NDP, PNP, GUM
The protest also addresses what the parties described as the “unlawful termination of appointments,” claiming that the current administration is engaging in political retribution by removing public servants without due process.
They argued that such actions erode public trust in institutions and put the livelihoods of ordinary Ghanaians at risk.
While addressing youth unemployment is essential, they emphasized it should not involve the unjust removal of dedicated public servants from their roles. “Is this the future Mahama promised? A regime of fear, where livelihoods are sacrificed on the altar of political vengeance?”
They called on a broad coalition of actors—civil society, religious bodies, professional associations, and all patriotic citizens—to join the march.
Their message was clear: silence is not an option.“This is a fight for Ghana. This is a fight for our future. This is a fight for justice.”
The political parties were clear about the gravity of the situation. They warned that ignoring what they view as a slide toward authoritarianism would amount to silent approval of the weakening of Ghana’s democratic institutions.
In their final call to action, they emphasized that this is not merely a resistance against a single political decision—it is a resistance to dictatorship, wrapped in legal pretenses.
“Now is the time to act; Now is the time to raise your voice; Be a citizen, not a spectator; Stand for democracy; Oppose dictatorship.”
NPP, LPG, NDP, PNP, GUM
As Ghana approaches May 5, the upcoming protest raises important questions about the balance of power, judicial independence, and the role of political opposition in democratic accountability.
While the parties behind the demonstration argued they are defending the Constitution, it remains for the public to judge whether these concerns reflect genuine democratic vigilance or partisan maneuvering.
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