GBA President renews call to protect Judiciary from political pressure

The Ghana Bar Association has used this year’s Martyrs’ Day remembrance service to renew concerns about political interference in the Judiciary and the need for clearer safeguards for judges.

GBA President, Mrs Efua Ghartey, said the Judiciary must be protected from political pressure if it is to remain a credible institution for justice delivery.

She said the country cannot speak of fairness, transparency and constitutional democracy while judges are exposed to processes that may appear influenced by political interests.

According to her, judicial independence is not only about the courts being free to decide cases, but also about ensuring that judges are subjected to scrutiny only through fair, transparent and well-governed procedures.

Mrs Ghartey called for clear guidelines on the removal of Superior Court judges.

She said such procedures would help ensure that judges understand the process and are protected from arbitrariness, political expediency or vendettas.

Her comments came in the wake of public debate over the removal of Justice Gertrude Torkornoo from office as Chief Justice.

The GBA President noted that concerns had been raised about the absence of detailed guidelines for the removal of a Chief Justice.

She said despite those concerns, the five-member committee set up by the President proceeded to recommend Justice Torkornoo’s removal.

Mrs Ghartey urged Ghanaians to rise above partisanship and build institutions that can withstand political changes and pressure.

She made the remarks at the 44th anniversary remembrance service for the three High Court judges murdered in 1982.

The service was held in memory of Justice Fred Poku Sarkodee, Justice Cecilia Koranteng-Addow and Justice Kwadwo Agyei Agyepong.

The three judges, together with retired army officer Major Sam Acquah, were abducted on June 30, 1982, during curfew hours.

Their bodies were later found on July 1, 1982, at the Bundase Military Range in the Accra Plains.

They had been doused with petrol and set on fire, but rain reportedly quenched the flames before the bodies were discovered.

Following public outrage, the PNDC set up a Special Investigation Board chaired by former Chief Justice Samuel Azu Crabbe to investigate the killings.

The investigations led to the prosecution of Joachim Amartey Kwei, a member of the PNDC, and former soldiers L/Cpls Samuel Amedeka, Samuel Michael Senyah, Johnny Dzandu and Tekpor.

Mrs Ghartey said Ghana has made progress since those dark days, but still faces human rights concerns, excessive political polarisation and unresolved national problems.

She said the country sometimes identifies solutions but fails to implement them.

She cited recent flooding in Accra, which caused damage to homes and offices and led to loss of lives, including children.

According to her, Ghana must move away from divisive conduct and commit to practical solutions that protect citizens.

Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rt Rev Dr Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, also urged judges and lawyers to serve with courage and integrity.

He said the remembrance service is meaningful because it honours judges who died in the line of duty and reminds today’s legal professionals of their responsibility to serve without fear or favour.

He warned that public confidence in the justice system is weakened when lawyers exploit clients or when justice appears available only to those with money.

Rt Rev Dr Kwakye said judges and lawyers must pay special attention to the poor, widows and orphans, whose rights are often most vulnerable.

He cautioned that the annual remembrance would lose its meaning if the justice system fails those who need protection most.