Leaders of a pressure group that organized a demonstration against ex-President Jerry John Rawlings on Tuesday petitioned the Speaker of Parliament to "debate the relevant threats made by the former President (Flt-Lt. Jerry John Rawlings) and censure him for undermining efforts at the unity and reconciliation of the country".

In a petition presented to Parliament through the Speaker, Mr Peter Ala Adjetey, the group said it: "Condemns the former President for bringing the hallowed institution of the Presidency into disrepute and contempt."

The group called the Coalition for the Defence of Democracy (CDD) said "its march was against the ex-President who threatened national unity, peace and stability in his speech on June 4".

The petition also urged Parliament to "initiate the necessary moves to withdraw the honour bestowed on the Ex-President as an eminent person of the UN, since his conduct is a bad example and has nothing eminent to show".

It also asked Parliament to "ensure that the law enforcement agencies take the necessary action to protect the constitutional order against the clear threats to the security of the state posed by the former President's incitement to treason and incitement against the Fourth Republican Constitution".

Mr Adjetey commended the group for demonstrating their displeasure in a peaceful manner, saying "this is a free country and people have the right to protest but it must be done peacefully".

He said the action of the coalition is in line with the country's present democratic principles, adding that as lawmakers of the country they would study the petition and decide appropriately.

Mr Joseph Henry Mensah, the Majority Leader, said the demonstration would send right signals to the outside world about the democratic achievements of the country and show that Ghana is ready to do business with the outside world.

He said in a democracy people have the right to free speech to allow for the truth to come out.

Mr Alban Bagbin, the Minority Leader, said that there could only be development when there was peace.

He said although people have the right to free speech and demonstration, it must be exercised in accordance with the law.

Mr Freddie Blay, First Deputy Speaker, said the Constitution must be protected and urged the public to work together towards democracy.

Thousands of people took part in the march, which began from the Holy Gardens at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle at 10:55 hours.

They went through the Kwame Nkrumah Avenue and Kinbu Road to the back of the Osu Stand of the Accra Sports Stadium, where they were addressed by the organisers.

The number of demonstrators, some wearing red bands, swelled as they went along singing and dancing to brass band, Kolomashie and recorded music.

At Tudu most of the traders left their wares to join in the dancing and merry-making.

Scores of Policemen, some in helmets and clutching batons and protective shields and others on horseback provided cover for the demonstrators.

The leaders of the CDD said it comprises 12 civil organisations and their action was aimed at the promotion of peace and democracy.

There were no incidents. A number of Senior Police Officers the Ghana News Agency spoke to described the demonstration as very peaceful.

Ex-President Rawlings on the 22nd anniversary of the June 4 Uprising lashed out at his successor, President John Agyekum Kufuor's Administration on several issues, including the withdrawal of his military guards, outlawing of June 4 as a holiday and the arrest of members of his party and warned that there could be an explosion if the trend continued.

Some of the demonstrators carried placards with inscriptions: "Let us live by the rule of law", "Welcome democracy" and "J. J. leave Kufuor alone".