Former Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Joseph Ade Coker, has described the protest by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) against the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo as “childish” and futile. Coker defended the government’s decision, stating that due process is being followed and that President John Dramani Mahama remains committed to constitutional provisions governing the judiciary.
The NPP-led coalition protested on Monday, May 5, and presented petitions to the Presidency, Parliament, and the Judiciary, urging the President to reverse the suspension of the Chief Justice. However, Coker believes that the government’s actions will not be swayed by the protest.
Coker emphasized that the government is adhering to constitutional provisions and that President Mahama will not be moved by the NPP’s actions. The NDC’s defense of the government’s decision comes amid ongoing tensions between the ruling party and the opposition over the suspension of the Chief Justice.
Lawyer H. Kwesi Prempeh added that the protest demonstrated the constitutional right to freedom of assembly and protest, protected and respected by the State and Government, as pronounced by the Supreme Court in NPP v. IGP (1993). He expressed satisfaction that the right to protest has been restored and hopes it remains that way.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
