Former Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Joseph Ade Coker, has dismissed the recent protest led by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) against the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, calling it “childish”and futile political demonstration.
Speaking in an interview, Ade Coker defended the government’s handling of the suspension, emphasizing that due process is being followed and that President John Dramani Mahama remains committed to 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”.
His remarks follow a protest organized on Monday, May 5, by a coalition of opposition parties, including the NPP.
The demonstration saw the submission of three separate petitions to the Presidency, Parliament, and the Judiciary, urging President Mahama to reverse the suspension of the Chief Justice.
Justice Gertrude Torkornoo was suspended on April 22, 2025, after a prima facie case was established against her, based on petitions submitted by private citizen Daniel Ofori, police officer Ayamga Akolgo, and civil society group Shining Stars of Ghana.
The government has since constituted a five-member investigative committee, in accordance with Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution, to examine the allegations against Chief Justice Torkornoo.
Despite the opposition’s calls for reinstatement, Ade Coker maintained that the government would not be swayed by political pressure, reaffirming President Mahama’s commitment to judicial accountability and adherence to constitutional processes.
