Executive Director of the Center for Democratic Governance-Ghana (CDD-Ghana), Prof Kwasi Prempeh has pointed out that a significant number of stakeholders are affiliated with the legal profession and the judicial service, making it imperative for them to have a stake in critical decisions such as appointment of justices to the Supreme Court.
He thus noted that the responsibility of appointing justices to the apex court should not rest exclusively with the judiciary and the presidency.
Prof Prempeh stressed the critical importance of upholding judicial independence and nurturing public trust in the courts to uphold public order and social peace.
Read also: Ambulance case judge, 4 others recommended for Supreme Court
His comments come after the Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo asked President Akufo-Addo to nominate five judges to the Supreme Court, a request that has been criticised as a breach of the constitution.
Speaking to Samson Lardi Ayenini on 'The Law' on Joy News, Prof Prempeh said, “First, in the judiciary, for that matter, public confidence in the judiciary is a very critical factor for all of us as citizens because it affects the willingness to come to the court as opposed to turn to self-help or any other place to resolve disputes that confront us. Judicial independence and trust in the public's confidence in the court are critical for public order and social peace. We do not want people taking the law into their own hands, hence recourse to the court is what is usually recommended."
He highlighted that judges function within a legal framework and stressed the necessity of impartial adjudication in cases involving allegations of legal breaches.
Mr Prempeh emphasised the judiciary's mandate to fulfill this role independently.
He also underscored the importance of upholding the rule of law, emphasising that governance based on legal principles is essential.
“We all want to be governed by law. To be in a state where there is no lawlessness, where people do not just do as they please and we do not have trust in the court, we would have a very lawless society”.
On the appointment of justices to the Supreme Court, he said Parliament, whose members represent the masses, must play a crucial role in it.
"The legislature, being a representative and popularly elected body, is the appropriate entity to make decisions about the size of the court. We made an initial error by increasing the number of judges without legislative recourse. It is crucial to correct this and ensure that any changes to the Supreme Court's size are made through a transparent and inclusive legislative process."
Latest Stories
-
I was suspended in SHS after making a dance video with my uniform – Lisa Quama
25 mins -
GTA gears up for National Tourism Awards 2024
28 mins -
Prof. Gyampo criticises vacating of MP seats due to cross-carpeting
3 hours -
A critical examination of Speaker Alban Bagbin’s ruling on potential breaches of Article 97(1)(G) and (H)
4 hours -
Trump calls 6 January ‘day of love’ when asked about Capitol riot
4 hours -
UTAG calls for immediate prosecution of persons arrested for engaging in galamsey
5 hours -
Prof Ransford Gyampo: And Speaker Bagbin declared 4 seats vacant…
5 hours -
Secret Service has ‘deep flaws’ and must overhaul leadership, report says
5 hours -
Kenya’s deputy president sacked while in hospital
5 hours -
One Direction ‘devastated’ at Liam Payne’s death
6 hours -
Ghana’s debt to ease to 70% of GDP in 2024; another debt default unlikely – Fitch
6 hours -
Meta fires staff for buying toothpaste, not lunch
6 hours -
U-20 AFCON 2025Q: Afriyie’s brace earns Ghana draw against Benin
6 hours -
US ‘click to cancel’ rule to ban subscription traps
6 hours -
Speaker is completely out of order; he is wrong on this ruling – K.T Hammond
6 hours