A wave of civic activism hit Independence Square on Thursday, May 22, 2025, as a group of young Ghanaians staged a peaceful protest in defence of the country’s judiciary following the controversial suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo.
Framing their demonstration as a fight for democracy rather than partisanship, the youth warned that the ongoing saga poses a serious threat to judicial independence in Ghana — a core pillar of constitutional governance.
Brandishing placards reading “Don’t Politicize the Judiciary” and “Protect Rule of Law,” the protesters condemned what they described as opaque proceedings and a growing culture of institutional interference. They argued that the lack of transparency around the Chief Justice’s suspension fuels public distrust and sets a dangerous precedent.
“This is not just about the Chief Justice — it’s about the survival of our democratic values,” one organiser told reporters. “We will not sit by while due process is bypassed in silence.”
The protestors claimed that the Chief Justice’s firm stance on judicial integrity may have made her a target for political retribution. Many suggested her suspension was part of a larger strategy to undermine the judiciary’s autonomy ahead of future political contests.
While the demonstration remained peaceful, the organisers hinted that it was only the beginning of a nationwide youth-led movement demanding transparency, accountability, and an end to executive overreach in judicial affairs.
The Chief Justice’s suspension continues to draw criticism from civil society groups, legal practitioners, and now, a new generation of Ghanaian youth determined to defend the rule of law.
