A coalition of political parties, led by the New Patriotic Party (NPP), staged a massive demonstration against the ruling government in response to the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Sackey Torkornoo.

The protest, dubbed the #SaveTheJudiciaryDemo, drew the participation of numerous concerned Ghanaian citizens and party supporters, who were led by their respective leaders and executives to voice their demands and submit a petition to the government for further action.

As is often the case during demonstrations, certain incidents can overshadow the main purpose of the event, drawing public attention and dominating discourse, and the #SaveTheJudiciaryDemo was no exception.

Several major incidents that unfolded during the protest have since dominated public discourses. This GhanaWeb article highlights five significant moments that captured national attention.

Afenyo-Markin-police incident

One of the major incidents that have been dominating conversations is the alleged assault by the Effutu lawmaker, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, of a police officer.

The incident allegedly showed the lawmaker visibly angry at a police officer and raising his hand to strike the officer on the head, while standing behind a barricade.

However, the lawmaker, in his defense, clarified that his actions were a response to provocation, claiming that the police officer struck him as he attempted to join his colleagues at Parliament House.

The Effutu MP further explained the physical impact of the officer's strike, stating; "The impact dazed me, and I was visibly shaken and short of breath. In that moment, I spontaneously protested his conduct, asking why he would seek to harm me.

"The inspector facilitating my access, along with other officers, quickly intervened and assisted me into the restricted area, where I had to lean against the wall at the entrance of Parliament House to prevent myself from collapsing."

The MP also added that; "A National Service Personnel member from Parliament, whom I know, approached and offered me water. Two CID officers from Parliament also checked on me and assisted me to a nearby security rest room, where I laid down on a bench to stabilise,” he narrated in a statement.

Subsequently, a police invitation has been extended to the lawmaker to assist investigations into the matter.

Journalist collapsing

Another notable and unfortunate incident that occurred during the protest was the collapse of a journalist, who reportedly lost consciousness.

The situation sparked widespread concerns, as videos circulating online showed security personnel swiftly intervening to carry him away for immediate medical attention.

Stan Dogbe’s remarks

The protest concluded at the Jubilee House, where demonstrators formally presented their petition to the president.

The petition was received on his behalf by the Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Operations, Stanislav Xoese Dogbe.

While receiving the petition, Dogbe emphasised that President Mahama does not subscribe to the culture of retaliatory politics often witnessed under previous administrations.

Making his point clear, Stan Dogbe criticised the previous administration for engaging in acts of retaliatory politics, highlighting such practices as detrimental to democratic governance.

“Let me say that we are happy that your process started this morning and has ended very peacefully. That in itself is a very strong message about the democracy that President Mahama wants to instill in our dear country.

“If it were the case like this over the past eight years, I'm sure that the retaliatory politics that you talk about wouldn't have been the case. You referencing retaliatory politics is an admission that the eight years of president Akufo-Addo and Bawumia were not the best. You can be assured however, that President Mahama as every Ghanaian knows, is not that politician. President Mahama does not believe in retaliatory politics,” he said.

He, however, assured the demonstrators that such practices will not be tolerated under the current administration, emphasising that President Mahama's government is committed to respecting the views of its critics and political opponents, and upholding the principles of inclusive and democratic governance.

“We will work together with you and all the political parties and your petition will be giving the due response,” he added.

His remarks have sparked conversations on social media, with some netizens praising Dogbe for what they described as a well-delivered and thoughtful response.

Many too believe his comments could prompt the protesters to reflect on their own party’s governance record.

‘Sins’ of Mahama

The Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, went in hard at President John Dramani Mahama during the #SavetheJudiciaryDemo on Monday, May 5, 2025.

Reading from the petition, which he described as ‘respectful and decent’, Afenyo-Markin heavily criticised almost every action of the Mahama government, using very strong words against the president and his party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Afenyo-Markin claimed that the democratic principles of the country are under attack, saying that “there is a frightening and ominous cloud now looming over our republic as we march today.”

He said that the 1992 Constitution of Ghana was under threat, with institutions mandated to safeguard the country’s liberties being infiltrated by “a ruthless cabal who are determined to cling to power at all cost — a third term agenda.”

He listed the supposed wrongdoings of the Mahama government as follows:

1. Establishing an unconstitutional ORAL

2. Using mercenaries to prevent declaration of Ablekuma North parliamentary election results

3. Weaponising the security services

4. An autocrat arbitrarily dismissing senior military officers

5. Mahama relentlessly attacking the judiciary

Supreme Court costumes

While most protests typically specify dress codes, one standout moment during the #SaveTheJudiciaryDemo was the appearance of some protesters in makeshift costumes resembling the Chief Justice or Justices of the Supreme Court.

These outfits were symbolic, representing the recent seven judges nominated to the apex court by Mahama, while sending a message to the government.

These highlights appear to have overshadowed the demonstration itself, dominating the airwaves and public discourses, and shifting the focus away from the original impact of the protest.

MAG/AE

Meanwhile, watch why #SaveTheJudiciaryDemo is trending on GhanaWeb TV below