The “Save the Judiciary” demonstration, organised by a coalition of opposition political parties and civil society supporters, neared its conclusion on Monday, May 5, with the successful submission of petitions to the Supreme Court, Parliament House, and Jubilee House.
The protest, led by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and joined by parties such as the LPG, NDP, PNP, and GUM, was staged in response to the recent suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo, which protesters described as a politically motivated attack on judicial independence.
Participants gathered as early as 5:00 am at the car park opposite the Supreme Court, dressed in red and black as a symbol of resistance.
Demonstrators marched through the capital, stopping at each of the three key state institutions to submit petitions demanding the reinstatement of the Chief Justice and the preservation of judicial autonomy.
The protest drew additional backing from the Minority Caucus in Parliament and other concerned groups.
Security personnel were deployed along the routes to maintain order, and the protest remained largely peaceful.
The demonstration followed President John Dramani Mahama’s suspension of the Chief Justice on April 22, under Article 146(6) of the Constitution, after a prima facie case was established based on three separate petitions.
Critics, including the Ghana Bar Association, have denounced the move as unconstitutional and dangerous.
The NPP and its allies argued that the executive’s interference undermines democratic governance and have vowed to continue advocating for the judiciary’s independence through lawful and civil means.
