The Minority Leader, Mr. Alexander Afenyo-Markins, has raised alarms over President John Dramani Mahama’s recent nomination of seven Supreme Court judges and the call for the removal of the Chief Justice, describing the move as a calculated effort to lay the groundwork for a third-term presidential bid.
“This isn’t about the New Patriotic Party (NPP), nor is it about partisan bickering.
This is about protecting the institutional integrity of our Republic.
It’s about defending the Constitution and making it clear to those in power that while leadership may rotate, the state belongs to the people,” Afenyo-Markin declared.
He emphasized the fundamental role of an independent judiciary in any thriving democracy, warning that without it, democratic governance collapses into mere rhetoric.
“The framers of our Constitution were clear: a democracy without an independent judiciary is no democracy at all,” he said.
Citing the gravity of the situation, Mr. Afenyo-Markin announced a peaceful demonstration scheduled for Monday, May 5, urging citizens from all walks of life to join in a collective stand against what he described as the “judicial capture” of the nation.
“This isn’t just a partisan street protest.
This is a civic stand.
Every Ghanaian who believes in the supremacy of the law and equal justice under the law must be part of this.
Parliament alone cannot fight this battle. It belongs to the people,” he clarified.
He further called on the current administration to act with prudence and foresight.
“This government must remember that the decisions they make today will define the political culture of tomorrow.
If we continue down this dangerous path, we risk normalizing retaliatory politics—where each new government prioritizes revenge over reform,” he stressed.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin did not mince words when accusing the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) of hypocrisy and long-term political maneuvering.
“Let’s not forget—this same NDC once criticized the appointment of even two additional Supreme Court judges under President Akufo-Addo, accusing him of court-packing.
Today, they are doing far worse by pushing for seven new appointments and targeting the Chief Justice,” he lamented.
He concluded with a stark warning: “All of this—the judicial appointments, the removal attempts—are rehearsed steps in what is a third-term agenda.
President Mahama believes that by packing the judiciary, they can smooth the path for a return to power, even if it violates the spirit of our democracy.”
According to Mrs. Janet Anabla, flagbearer and leader of the People’s National Party (PNP), “This is not a partisan demonstration—it is a demonstration by the people.
The PNP cannot stand idly by while President Mahama and the NDC attempt to hijack and dismantle one of Ghana’s last institutions of hope: the judiciary.
She lamented that President Mahama has already consolidated power over the executive and parliament.
“He appears intent on seizing control of the judiciary, as he vowed to a group of NDC-affiliated lawyers during his campaign.
His recent judicial appointments suggest a partisan motive—not a commitment to justice, but a strategy to further his party’s political agenda,” she asserted.
Mrs. Nabla alleged that President Mahama has appointed seven Supreme Court judges without any compelling national demand or constitutional justification.
“These appointments appear to be a calculated response to the judicial selections made by former President Nana Addo.
This is not about balance—it is a blatant politicization of our justice system.
Even more concerning is the President’s disregard for due process.
When a petition was filed against the Chief Justice, he bypassed legal channels and rushed the matter to the Council of State, violating principles of natural justice.
When a court issued an injunction, he ignored it and proceeded to suspend the Chief Justice, openly defying judicial authority.
This is the behavior of a president who believes he is above the law,” she stressed.
Alhaji Mohammed Frimpong, flagbearer of the National Democratic Party (NDP), accused President John Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of interpreting their recent landslide victory as a license to undermine the 1992 Constitution.
According to Frimpong, instead of consolidating power, the overwhelming mandate from the people should have deepened the President’s commitment to upholding constitutional principles, safeguarding state institutions, eliminating discrimination, and improving livelihoods.
“The President’s decision to suspend the Chief Justice reveals a premeditated act of political malice that should not be tolerated by any well-meaning Ghanaian.
This disgraceful abuse of power is a harbinger of further violations against the democratic values enshrined in our Constitution,” he stated.
Mr. Frimpong emphasized that the NDP is calling on His Excellency, President John Mahama, to immediately revoke the suspension of the Chief Justice and restore constitutional order.
“Given the clear and present threat to our democracy posed by President Mahama and the NDC, the National Democratic Party urges all its members and fellow citizens to join the Save the Judiciary Demonstration on Monday, May 5, 2025,” he noted.
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