The Director of Programmes and Policy Engagement at the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), Dr Kojo Pumpuni Asante, believes the Supreme Court must desist from sitting on some political cases.
According to him, if the apex court continuously adjudicates political matters, it might affect the principle of checks and balances, as the court will constantly be involved in politics.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on April 13, he suggested that in instances where politicians disagree on matters, they should refer the case to other institutions rather than letting the court sit on it.
“Generally, increasingly and particularly around election matters, there is this discretion that the Chief Justice has in empanelling. It has created a lot of perception around bias and independence of the court and so on and so forth.
“I think sometimes, there are cases that the Supreme Court should not be dealing with. These are political matters that probably need to stay in Parliament or other places because the more you take on these cases, anytime you take a decision, one person loses,” he said.
Dr Pumpuni added that the court must also find legal backing to decline sitting on some cases.
“There are cases where the Supreme Court can decline on the basis of law not just on wimp. Because when you encourage it, if politicians can’t resolve their matter, everything they are bringing it to your court.
"You turn the court into an extension of [Parliament] and then your checks and balances become a problem,” he stressed.
Additionally, he said in most African countries, there are always disputes after every election, which means the apex court will always be presiding over political matters all year round if not managed.
“We have to look at the legal arrangement that you are making to limit and mitigate that problem. Otherwise, if you look across West Africa now every election there is election adjudication and it is rampant. So it is not even the results that are being contested," he added.
Latest Stories
-
Pay NABCO trainees – Mahama challenges Bawumia
4 mins -
Police ‘waiting for court date’ on Erastus’ case is a lie – Samson Anyenini
14 mins -
Sports facilities are better managed by institutions – UG Sports Director on maintenance of Legon stadium
44 mins -
Ghanaian businesses must align vision with strategy to mitigate ESG Risks – KPMG
54 mins -
MTN achieves 30% localisation of Scancom PLC
55 mins -
Attorney-General: Some lawyers sacrifice ethics for ‘cheap’ political gains
1 hour -
Bond market: Volume up by 12.45% to GH¢746m
1 hour -
Cedi records year-to-date loss of nearly 29%; one dollar going for GH¢17.10
1 hour -
‘Our priorities are wrong in Ghana’ – UG Sports Director on sports development
1 hour -
The Fourth Estate’s investigative report wins 2nd place at 2024 AIJC
2 hours -
GPL: Our fans spur us on – GoldStars head coach Frimpong Manso on unbeaten run
2 hours -
Plantain chips are breaking hearts in Africa
2 hours -
61 new architects acquire state license to practice in Ghana
3 hours -
Masloc CEO honoured as capacity building Shero of the Year
3 hours -
MPs’ Repeated Attempts to Sue the Speaker: Unintended Consequences for the 2024 Elections?
3 hours