A coalition made up of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), the National Democratic Party (NDP), the People’s National Party (PNP), and the Ghana Union Movement (GUM) has announced a nationwide protest scheduled for Monday, May 5.

The demonstration is aimed at opposing what the parties describe as an unlawful suspension of Ghana’s Chief Justice and the targeted dismissal of key public servants.

Following an emergency meeting held on Thursday, April 24, the coalition issued a strongly worded statement accusing the current administration, led by the National Democratic Congress (NDC), of undermining Ghana’s democratic principles.

“This is not about politics. This is about principle. This is a fight for Ghana,” the coalition declared.

Framing their protest as a non-partisan defence of judicial independence, the group called on citizens, religious bodies, and civil society organisations to join the cause.

“We will not allow political power to erode the foundations of our republic,” they warned, alleging that the NDC government is engaged in a systematic effort to weaken the country’s independent institutions.

At the centre of their grievance is the suspension of the Chief Justice, which the coalition described as the most blatant attack on constitutional governance so far. The statement further likened the development to what it described as a failed move by the NDC in 2010 to oust the late Chief Justice Georgina Theodora Wood.

“History is being repeated. We must not remain silent,” the statement added.

The group claims to have access to credible political intelligence pointing to a broader strategy by the ruling party to restructure the judiciary with partisan appointees. According to them, the goal is to eventually push for a constitutional interpretation by the Supreme Court to legitimise a possible third-term presidential run by former President John Mahama in 2028.

“This isn’t conjecture. This is a carefully calculated agenda,” they stated.

Beyond the judiciary, the coalition also raised alarm over what they termed politically motivated terminations within the public service. They argued that the dismissal of career professionals is a deliberate attempt to replace them with party loyalists.

“Is this the future Mahama promised?” the statement questioned. “A regime of fear, where livelihoods are sacrificed on the altar of political vengeance?”

In closing, the group issued a strong appeal to ordinary Ghanaians to reject authoritarianism and defend the democratic gains of the Fourth Republic.

“To remain indifferent is to endorse the rise of an authoritarian state. Be a citizen, not a spectator. Stand for democracy. Oppose dictatorship.”