Former Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Joseph Ade Coker, has described the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) protest against the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo as a futile and “childish” political move.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Tuesday, May 6, Ade Coker defended the government’s handling of the issue, insisting that due process is being followed and that President John Dramani Mahama remains committed to upholding the constitutional provisions governing the judiciary.
“All that they did yesterday, five months into governance, the government is doing the right thing, due process is being followed. So for me, all the petitions they sent were all childish, because nothing will move President Mahama or the NDC not to adhere to the constitutional provisions in this country,” Coker said.
His comments follow a protest organized on Monday, May 5, by a coalition of opposition parties, led by the NPP. The demonstration saw the submission of three separate petitions to the Presidency, Parliament, and the Judiciary, demanding that President Mahama reverse the suspension of the Chief Justice.
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo was suspended on April 22, 2025, after a prima facie case was established against her based on petitions from private citizen Daniel Ofori, police officer Ayamga Akolgo, and civil society group Shining Stars of Ghana.
Following the suspension, a five-member committee was constituted to investigate the allegations in accordance with Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution.
While the NPP and other opposition groups insist the suspension is politically motivated, the Mahama administration has maintained that the process is in line with constitutional requirements.
