No one can touch you because you have a secure tenure; make decisions based on your conscience – Mahama addressing judges

Former Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has advised judges not to make decisions based on the wishes of the political leader who nominated them to office if the decisions are not supposed to be made in that manner.

Mr Mahama claimed that because they are protected by the constitution, they need not be concerned about being ousted by a political leader.

Mr Mahama claimed the NDC has a problem with the judiciary during a meeting with the NDC’s United States Chapter at Bentley University on Sunday, March 27.

“I must admit that we have issues with the judiciary. Internal improvements are, in my opinion, required. Some reforms must be implemented by the Chief Justice or whoever is in charge.

“The majority of government institutions are politicized.” The judiciary is a good example. Only in Ghana will a Supreme Court rule that a birth certificate is insufficient to establish citizenship.

“There have been a lot of these amusing decisions made.” Professor Raymond Atuguba, one of our colleagues, once told me that according to his research, judges tend to rule in favor of the political party or leader that selected 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 the research was correct.”

“The point is, judges have tenure protection under our constitution.” You cannot be removed from your position after it has been assigned to you. That is why we provide tenure security so that you can make decisions based on your conscience regardless of who appointed you. Our judges should act in this manner. They’ll have to step up to the plate.”