NPP, other political parties notify police of May 5 demonstration

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) and four other political parties have informed the Ghana Police Service. They plan to hold a demonstration on May 5. This protest is against President John Mahama’s suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkonoo.

The suspension came after three petitions called for her removal. The involved political parties condemned this decision. They see it as an attack on judicial independence.

NPP Director of Communications Richard Ahiagba spoke to JoyNews about their concerns. He stated that the suspension undermines judicial independence. He believes it is a politically motivated move to weaken the judiciary.

Ahiagba said, “All five political parties are united for this demonstration.” He noted that other parties may join soon. He encouraged all Ghanaians to participate in the protest against the President's actions.

The demonstration will start at 7 am on May 5. It will begin at a park near the Supreme Court. The march will go through Parliament House and end at Jubilee House, where they will submit a petition.

Ahiagba mentioned they submitted their notice for the demonstration to the police. They requested security and intend for it to be peaceful. He emphasized that public order must not be disrupted during the event.

He also highlighted that this demonstration defends Ghana’s democracy. “We see this as an effort aimed at destroying our democracy,” he said.

Ahiagba addressed the withdrawal of the Ghana Union Movement (GUM) from the protest. He accused the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of trying to disrupt it by influencing withdrawals.

He stated, “No political party should withdraw from a legitimate demonstration.” He recalled how vibrant politics became after lifting bans in May 1992.

Ahiagba suggested that NDC might be behind efforts to weaken participating parties' resolve. “We know about attempts to dilute our determination,” he said.

He urged GUM's leadership to stand strong for democracy, stating, “Without democracy, you don’t have a political party.”