May 5 protest for Judicial independence, not CJ – John Darko

John Darko, the MP for Suame, has clarified the NPP's protest plans. The protest on Monday, May 5, is not in support of suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo. Instead, it aims to address what the party sees as a threat to judicial independence.

Darko spoke on Channel One TV’s Big Issue on Saturday, May 3. He emphasized that the demonstration defends the judiciary's integrity, not an individual. "What the NPP is doing is a protest against judicial independence destruction," he stated.

This protest will be a joint effort with four other political parties. They all condemn Torkonoo's suspension as unconstitutional and harmful to democracy.

President John Dramani Mahama suspended Chief Justice Torkonoo on April 22. This followed three petitions calling for her removal and was done under Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution. The President consulted with the Council of State before taking this action.

Opposition parties and civil society groups have sharply criticized this move. They argue it undermines judicial independence and sets a dangerous precedent. The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) is seeking to revoke Torkonoo's suspension.