Speaking strongly on Good Morning Ghana, monitored by MyNewsGh, Beatrice Annan reassured Ghanaians that the independence of the judiciary remains intact despite ongoing debates over the Chief Justice’s suspension.
She said: “Let me say to the people of Ghana and allay their fears that as we speak today, the independence of the judiciary is intact. We have an acting Chief Justice in the person of Justice Baffoe-Bonnie. My colleague lawyers are in court moving their motions, doing their cross-examinations, and nothing has changed.”
She stressed that the Chief Justice is not the judiciary itself: “The Chief Justice is not synonymous with the judiciary.
“The earlier she accepts that she is not the epitome of the judiciary, but only its head and subject to the laws like every other person in Ghana, the better for her.”
Addressing concerns about political interference, Beatrice defended former President John Mahama’s record:
“We are talking about a man who, when he had the opportunity to be Vice President and President, did not pack the judiciary with judges. He had the chance to abuse the system but didn’t.”
She drew comparisons to the current situation:
“When you have 55 appointments within a short period, unprecedented in our history, you can tell the difference.”
Beatrice insisted President Mahama had always respected legal processes:
“President Mahama never called judges or influenced cases. Many problems that our own members had with us were because we refused to interfere with the judiciary.”
She further emphasized: “When the President received the petitions, the constitution required him to refer them to the Council of State. That was done. There is no law that says he must give copies to the Chief Justice.”
Beatrice concluded: “The MPP cannot point to one law or one past practice that has been breached. President Mahama has done absolutely nothing wrong.”
