An urgent appeal to defend the independence of Ghana’s judiciary

In the heart of every democracy lies a sacred institution—the Judiciary. It stands as the guardian of justice, the protector of rights, and the final shield against tyranny. Today, in Ghana, this last frontier of our democracy is under siege. 

From his days in opposition, President John Mahama and key members of the current ruling party have persistently cast aspersions on the superior courts of our land. Now in power, this hostility has escalated into action. The recent suspension of the Chief Justice, based on ambiguous and questionable petitions, has taken place without the publication of any clear evidence establishing a prima facie case. 

This action, cloaked in procedural ambiguity, represents a dangerous precedent—one that threatens the very soul of our Republic. We, in the New Patriotic Party (NPP), along with several concerned political actors, sound the alarm. This is not just an internal matter—it is a national emergency that demands the voice and action of every stakeholder who cherishes the rule of law, democratic balance, and freedom. 

We call on: 

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1. Media Houses and Journalists 

Your role as the Fourth Estate is indispensable. A politically captured judiciary silences whistleblowers, criminalizes dissent, and enables authoritarianism. If justice can be manipulated, then press freedom is next in line. Ghana’s media must speak boldly, investigate courageously, and hold power accountable. 

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2. Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) 

You have long stood as the moral conscience of our nation. A compromised judiciary weakens every civic victory—whether it be in human rights, anti-corruption, gender equity, or youth advocacy. The absence of judicial independence will collapse the very scaffolding on which you build progress. 

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3. Diplomatic Missions and International Partners 

Ghana has earned international respect as a beacon of democratic stability. But what is democracy without judicial independence? We urge you to speak out, as you have done elsewhere in Africa and beyond, when institutions are weakened for political convenience. Now is not the time for silence. 

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4. Foreign Investors 

Your investments thrive under the assurance of impartial courts, property rights, and contract enforcement. A politically subservient judiciary puts your capital at risk. The rule of law is a fundamental pillar of economic confidence. Protecting the courts is protecting your bottom line. 

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5. Ghanaian Businesses and Entrepreneurs 

If political influence can determine court outcomes, then no business is safe. Commercial disputes, land ownership, licensing—all rely on credible judicial arbitration. A weak judiciary invites corruption, weakens enforcement, and disrupts fair competition. Your voice matters in defending an impartial legal system. 

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Ghana’s Executive is in the hands of the NDC. Parliament is under their control. The Judiciary remains our last hope to preserve the balance of power, protect citizens’ rights, and prevent the consolidation of absolute control. Today it is the Chief Justice. Tomorrow, it could be any judge, citizen, journalist, or entrepreneur who dares to stand for truth. 

Let us rise, together, to say: Ghana will not allow its Judiciary to be captured. Let us defend the law, protect our democracy, and secure the future for generations unborn. 

This is a call to action. This is a call to conscience. Let us act—before it is too late. 

Signed, 

Stephen Forson 

(A Scared Concerned Citizen )