Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has made an urgent appeal to fellow legislators to put aside partisanship and protect Ghana’s democratic institutions amid growing political tensions.
Speaking during a demonstration led by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Monday, May 5, Mr. Afenyo-Markin described recent developments, including the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, as a threat to the country’s constitutional order.
“Ghana is under siege,” he declared while presenting a petition to the Clerk of Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror. “This is a call to all of us, regardless of political affiliation, to defend the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary.”
The demonstration, which drew hundreds of party supporters and civil society activists, was a direct response to what organisers described as an “unjust and unconstitutional” sidelining of the Chief Justice. Protesters marched to Parliament House with placards and chants calling for transparency and respect for judicial independence.
Afenyo-Markin condemned what he called politically motivated interference in the judiciary, warning that such actions risk undermining the country’s democratic foundation.
“We cannot allow institutions of state to be undermined under the guise of accountability,” he stressed. “Parliament must act as the last line of defence for our democracy.”
The petition submitted to Parliament demands immediate oversight action, a reversal of the Chief Justice’s suspension, and a full public disclosure of the grounds for the move.
