NPP and Allied Parties Sound Alarm Over Alleged Judicial Takeover Plot
Ghana's political landscape has been rocked by explosive claims from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) and four other political factions, who jointly allege a calculated attempt by President John Mahama to subvert the nation's democratic institutions for personal political gain.
At a fiery press conference held on April 22, 2025, the coalition presented what they termed "disturbing evidence" of a systematic plan to manipulate key government bodies. The recent suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, they contend, represents just the first move in a broader strategy to install sympathetic officials across Ghana's judiciary and electoral systems.
"The suspension of our Chief Justice isn't an isolated incident," declared NPP representatives alongside leaders from the Liberal Party of Ghana, National Democratic Party, People's National Party, and Ghana Union Movement. "It's the opening gambit in a dangerous scheme to undermine our constitutional safeguards."
The coalition announced plans for a mass demonstration on May 5, 2025, warning of parallel efforts to remove Electoral Commission Chair Jean Mensa and her deputies. They allege these moves would create a pathway for President Mahama to challenge constitutional term limits through a stacked Supreme Court.
"Article 66(2) of our constitution clearly prohibits third-term bids," the joint statement emphasized. "Yet we're seeing preparations to reinterpret this provision through a reconstituted bench of politically aligned justices."
Political analysts note the gravity of these accusations comes amid growing regional concerns about democratic backsliding in West Africa. The coalition's call to action has drawn support from civil society leaders, with prominent legal scholar Professor Kofi Abotsi warning: "When the judiciary's independence is compromised, the entire democratic edifice crumbles."
The planned protest aims to mobilize citizens from all walks of life to defend Ghana's hard-won democratic norms. As tensions escalate, all eyes turn to the presidency for its response to these unprecedented allegations that strike at the heart of the nation's constitutional order. Key Points Expanded:
1. Historical Context - Comparison to other African nations where leaders extended terms
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