By Francis Kobena Tandoh
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) and other political parties in Ghana are set to hit the streets on May 5 this year to express their disapproval over what they describe as the unlawful suspension of the Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo by the president immediately after the Easter holidays.
At an emergency meeting held on Thursday, the NPP and the other political parties, including the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), National Democratic Party (NDP), People’s National Party (PNP), Ghana Union Movement (GUM) resolved to stand up in defence of the constitution to safeguard the country’s democracy.
The political parties observed that the blatant disregard for the rule of law is not merely a political matter but rather an assault on the very soul of our democracy.
“The disturbing trend of judicial intimidation by the National Democratic Congress (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. History is being repeated today. The NDC’s obsession with capturing and controlling every arm of government, even the independent judiciary, is playing out before our eyes. We must not remain silent,” read a statement released here.
The political parties called on all citizens stand for justice, defend the country’s democracy, and protect the constitutional order.
“We will not allow political power to erode the foundations of our republic. Let it be known: Ghanaians will not sit idly by while the independence of the judiciary is dismantled. The time has come for all well-meaning political parties, civil society groups, Christian Council, Ghana Pentecostal Council, all religious groups and patriotic citizens to rise in protest against the unlawful and politically motivated suspension of the Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana,” added the statement.
The parties further emphasized the reckless assault on the independence of the judiciary is not just an attack on an individual but a dangerous affront to the very constitution that binds Ghana’s democracy together and reminded Ghanaians of the “chilling legacy” of the NDC when it comes to the judiciary.
The nationwide protest, according to the parties is not about politics but about principle, and protecting Ghana’s constitution and urged all Ghanaians to join them.
The political parties also criticised the John Mahama-led administration of unlawfully terminating appointments of innocent civil servants to pursuing their parochial political interests.
“The signs of tyranny are clear. The posture of insensitivity and vindictiveness under Mahama’s leadership must be confronted head-on. Ghanaians must rise not in silence, but in defiance to protect their dignity, their jobs, and their democracy,” it added.
Source: Ghana Eye Report
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