Mahama’s call for judicial reforms is supported by a former UN adviser

Professor Baffour Agyemang-Duah, a former UN adviser, has backed former President John Mahama’s need for swift judicial changes.

He believes that the reforms should be extended to the executive and legislative branches as well.

Mr Mahama has asked the Chief Justice to rapidly implement judicial reforms.

Mr Mahama claimed the NDC has a problem with the judiciary during a meeting with the United States Chapter of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) at Bentley University on Sunday, March 27.

“It’s true that we have issues with the judges. I believe that certain internal adjustments are required there. Reforms must be implemented by the Chief Justice or whoever is in charge.

“The majority of government institutions have become politicized.” I’ll use the judiciary as an example. Only in Ghana will a Supreme Court rule that a birth certificate is not sufficient proof of citizenship.

“There have been a lot of such amusing decisions made.” I recall one of our colleagues, Professor Raymond Atuguba, saying that according to his research, judges tend to rule in favor of the political party or leader who appointed them.

“He was subjected to such a tornado of indignation by the judges, but if you look at what’s going on now and see who’s appointed who, you’ll see that there was some validity to the research.”

“The thing is, judges are guaranteed tenure under our constitution.” You cannot be removed once you have been appointed. That is why we provide tenure security so that you will have the fortitude to make decisions based on your conscience regardless of who appointed you. That is exactly what our judges must do. They have to step up to the plate.”

Prof Agyemang-Duah added his voice to the appeal on Monday March 28 when he told TV3’s Eric Mawuena Egberta, “The former President’s opinion is right on, in the sense that it pertains to this general desire for constitutional review.” You can’t have anything to do with the judiciary without also having something to do with the constitution. So, if you’re dissatisfied with the judiciary, you’ll need to find a way to change the constitution.

“It’s not only the court; look at what’s going on with the executive and legislative branches of government.” All of these are concerns that must be addressed. That is why it bothers me when people dismiss the idea of constitutional reforms, because we all know something is wrong with the country.

“I believe what Former President Mahama is seeking for is significant constitutional reforms so that we can examine the judiciary, executive, and legislature.”