Historic CJ Torkornoo’s reinstatement demo ends peacefully

In a symbolic demonstration on Monday morning, a coalition of political parties and concerned citizens took to the streets of Accra to protest what they describe as the unconstitutional and politically motivated suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
Branded the “Save the Judiciary” march, the demonstration culminated in the submission of a formal petition to the Jubilee House, Parliament, and the Supreme Court.
From as early as 6:00 a.m., hundreds of protestors had already assembled at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly car park, clad in red and black, holding placards that read “Defend the Bench, Defend Democracy” and “No to Judicial Dictatorship.”
Their destination: Ghana’s key seats of power — the Supreme Court, Parliament House, and the Presidency.

A coalition of unlikely allies
Unlike many past protests driven by a single party or civil society group, this event drew participation from a wide array of political actors.
Notably, members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the National Democratic Party (NDP), the Liberal Party of Ghana, the People’s National Party, and the Ghana Union Movement joined forces — transcending partisan lines in what organizers framed as a “national duty” to protect the independence of the judiciary.

The protest was marked by peaceful but passionate appeals for the restoration of constitutional order.
Chants of “Justice for Torkornoo” and “Mahama Must Respect the Law” echoed through the streets of the capital as the demonstrators pressed forward under police escort.

A petition for justice
Upon arrival at Parliament, the demonstrators handed over their petition to Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, Clerk of Parliament, who assured them it would be transmitted to Speaker Alban Bagbin for immediate attention.
Simultaneously, a copy of the petition was received at Jubilee House by Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Operations, Mr. Stanislav Xoese Dogbe, and another copy was delivered to the Supreme Court registry.
The petitioners are demanding a full-scale parliamentary investigation into the circumstances surrounding Chief Justice Torkornoo’s suspension.
They argue that the process lacked transparency and bypassed necessary constitutional safeguards, threatening the democratic principles enshrined in the 1992 Constitution.

Afenyo-Markin leads the charge
Leading the protest was Minority Leader in Parliament, Mr. Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, who used the occasion to deliver a blistering critique of President John Dramani Mahama. Describing the Chief Justice’s suspension as a “clandestine operation,” Afenyo-Markin warned that Ghana was witnessing the early signs of authoritarianism.
“What is happening is no accident. It is a warning, a threat, a message to every judicial officer that dissent will be crushed and independence punished,” he declared to loud applause from the demonstrators.
“They do not seek a judiciary that upholds the law. They seek one that bows to the will of a dictator.”
He added that the protest was not about partisanship but about constitutional obligation.
“We march not as partisans, but because the Constitution demands it. We march to resist the rise of a new oppressor — one who wears the cloth of democracy but governs with the spirit of dictatorship.”

Govt responds
In response, Mr. Dogbe reiterated the government’s stance that the Chief Justice’s suspension followed due constitutional process. He noted that even before leaving office, former President Akufo-Addo had initiated preliminary inquiries into complaints about the Chief Justice, which were referred to the Council of State. President Mahama, he said, merely continued that process.
“Indeed, before President Akufo-Addo left the Presidency, he had started a certain process where issues were brought to him about the Chief Justice, and he referred them to the Council of State. That is what President Mahama has done,” Mr. Dogbe said.

He emphasized that a Committee was now handling the matter in accordance with constitutional guidelines, and called on all parties to allow the process to unfold without unnecessary political interference.

A commitment to free expression
Mr. Dogbe also used the occasion to reaffirm the government’s commitment to safeguarding civil liberties.
He pointed to the smooth organization of Monday’s protest and another recent demonstration as evidence that President Mahama’s administration respects the right to free expression.
“I can assure you, and the people of Ghana, that we appreciate the fact that just as the government ensured you went about your demonstration peacefully, there was another one last weekend that also took place without any attempt to prevent people from expressing themselves,” Mr. Dogbe said.
“President Mahama, in less than 120 days in office, has already shown how he intends to preserve and grow the democracy of Ghana,” he added.

A peaceful demonstration with a clear message
The protest concluded without any incidents of violence, arrests, or casualties.
Police officers, stationed at strategic points along the protest route, ensured that demonstrators complied with public safety regulations.
Protesters dispersed peacefully after delivering their final petition at Jubilee House, chanting slogans and waving Ghanaian flags as they departed.
As the dust settles on Monday’s protest, the political debate over the suspension of Chief Justice Torkornoo shows no signs of slowing down.
With Parliament expected to deliberate on the matter in the coming days, and public pressure mounting, all eyes now turn to the corridors of power to see whether Ghana’s democracy will stand the test — or buckle under the weight of partisan controversy.