Youth group pickets over Chief Justice’s probe, demands revocation of suspension

A group of young Ghanaians staged a peaceful picket near Independence Square on Thursday, May 22, 2025, calling for justice, transparency, and the immediate revocation of the suspension of Chief Justice Her Ladyship Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo.

The demonstration took place close to the venue where proceedings related to the Chief Justice’s probe are ongoing. The protesters held placards bearing messages such as “Chief Justice Suspension Is Political,” “Stop Undermining the Judiciary,” “Don’t Erode Public Trust,” “Save Our Justice System,” and “Restore the Chief Justice Now!”

They expressed deep concern over what they described as a politically motivated attempt to destabilize the judiciary and undermine public confidence in Ghana’s legal system.

According to the demonstrators, the suspension and the ongoing process surrounding the Chief Justice's potential removal lack transparency and appear to be taking place behind closed doors, which they argue erodes public trust.

“This is not just about one individual. It's about protecting the sanctity and independence of our judiciary. The Chief Justice has served this nation with integrity. If there are credible allegations, they must be addressed transparently and in a way that reinforces public confidence—not in secrecy,” said one of the protest conveners.

The group accused certain political actors of orchestrating a campaign to discredit the Chief Justice due to her unwavering stance on judicial independence. They described her suspension as “a complete charade and the most serious assault on the judiciary in the nation's history.”