Under President Nana Akufo-Addo’s leadership, concerns have arisen regarding the perceived politicization of the judiciary, with many pointing to high-profile political cases where judges are allegedly aligning with the president’s interests.
Listowel Nana Kusi Poku, Executive Director of the Good Governance Advocacy Group in Ghana, raised these concerns on the Adekyee Mu Nsem morning show on Ahotor 92.3 FM, hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra.
Poku referenced the outcome of the 2020 Election Petition, where the court ruled in favor of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). During proceedings, the state prosecutor and the Electoral Commission failed to provide conclusive evidence, leading to skepticism about the impartiality of the verdict.
In another case involving the Attorney General, Godfred Dame, pressure mounted following allegations by Richard Gyakpa, the third accused, that the AG coerced him to incriminate Dr. Ato Forson. The ensuing dispute between the NDC and NPP has sparked calls for intervention by the Ghana Bar Association.
However, Lawyer Yaw Dankwah cautioned against premature intervention, emphasizing the need for evidence before making public statements. He argued that the judiciary should be left to determine the validity of such claims.
Poku criticized President Akufo-Addo, suggesting that his alleged manipulation of the judiciary undermines the credibility of his presidency and violates citizens’ rights to fair trials
