Political Poisoning of Ghana’s Judiciary Could Undermine Rule of Law – Atuguba Cautions
Justice William Atuguba calls for urgent reforms to preserve judicial integrity and uphold the Constitution.
- Justice Atuguba warns that growing political influence in the judiciary threatens Ghana's rule of law
- He criticizes the Supreme Court’s decision on vacant parliamentary seats
- Atuguba urges urgent reforms to restore judicial independence and uphold constitutional integrity
Retired Supreme Court Justice, William Atuguba, has raised a grave warning about the increasing politicisation of Ghana’s judiciary, fearing it could threaten the rule of law.
Atuguba’s concerns come after a recent Supreme Court ruling on vacant parliamentary seats, which he believes was influenced by political motivations.
He argued that the five-judge panel’s decision on the case was politically driven and that the court should not have accepted jurisdiction in the matter, suggesting it lacked proper legal grounds.
The case, filed by Alexander Afenyo-Markin, challenged Speaker Alban Bagbin’s declaration of four vacant parliamentary seats, leading to a divisive ruling with a 5-2 majority in favor of the suit.
The ruling sparked a significant political standoff in Parliament, with NDC members assuming Majority status and NPP MPs boycotting proceedings.
In an interview, Atuguba lamented the politicisation of the judiciary, describing it as reaching “its peak” and calling it a “constitutional virus” that must be cured. He warned that continued political influence could lead to rule by politics instead of rule by law, ultimately undermining the Constitution’s foundation.
Criticising the majority judgment’s reasoning as “superficial,” Atuguba pointed to the process of appointing the Chief Justice as a key factor in the judiciary’s current state.
He called for reforms to restore the judiciary’s integrity and uphold constitutional values.
