The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has issued a series of demands aimed at halting what they describe as reckless and unconstitutional attempt by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to manipulate the Supreme Court.
According to the party, the President’s uncontrolled appointments to the apex court are not only a reckless political maneuver but an outrageous assault on Ghana’s democracy and a betrayal of the public trust.
NDC General Secretary, Fifi Kwetey, who addressed the media Thursday July 4 on the president’s plan to appoint additional five judges to the Supreme Court called for the protection of Ghana’s judicial independence.
“The NDC urgently demands that President Akufo-Addo immediately stop any plans to appoint additional judges to the Supreme Court,” he stated.
He warned that such appointments erode the checks and balances essential to Ghana’s democracy and transforms the judiciary into ‘a puppet of the executive.’
The NDC has outlined the following specific demands
Immediate halt to further Supreme Court Appointments: The NDC insists that all plans for new Supreme Court appointments be stopped immediately.
Adherence to Constitutional Processes: Future appointments must strictly follow constitutional procedures, including consultations with the Judicial Council. “This blatant disregard for established procedures is not only unconstitutional but also morally reprehensible,” Kwetey noted.
Transparency and Accountability: The NDC demands full disclosure of the criteria and processes used for selecting judges to ensure transparency and accountability. “The clandestine and backdoor dealings to appoint loyalists are a disgrace,” Kwetey stated.
Judicial Independence: The party calls on the Chief Justice to resist any executive pressure influencing judicial appointments, highlighting that the judiciary’s independence is “sacrosanct.”
Immediate Reversal of Unconstitutional Appointment Requests: The Chief Justice is urged to retract any unconstitutional requests for additional judges.
Public and Civil Society Engagement: The government should engage with civil society, legal professionals, and the public to restore trust and ensure fairness in judicial appointments.
Ensuring Merit-Based Appointments: Future judicial appointments must be based on merit, experience, and integrity, rather than political affiliations or loyalties.
Protection of Judicial Officers: Safeguards must be established to protect judges from political influence and retribution.
Fifi Kwetey warned of the dangers of compromising judicial independence stating, “Imagine a Ghana where the judiciary becomes a mere extension of a failed executive—a tool for political retribution rather than justice.”
“This is not the Ghana we pledged to uphold; this is not the Ghana we want to pass down to our children.”
He called on all Ghanaians, civil society, the clergy, and democracy-loving citizens to join the fight against what he described as tyranny and corruption.
“Let us fight with every breath to ensure that justice prevails, that our institutions remain independent, and that our democracy remains strong.”
“For the sake of our children, for the sake of our future, let us unite and demand accountability. Let us rise and reclaim our nation from the grips of those who seek to destroy it,” he urged.