According to a report from GhanaWeb. Dr. Arthur Kennedy, a prominent figure in Ghana’s ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), has raised serious concerns regarding the impartiality of the nation’s Supreme Court. In a recent interview on Joynewsfile aired on October 19, 2024, Kennedy suggested that the Court’s recent rulings reflect a troubling political agenda rather than a commitment to judicial integrity.
During the discussion, Kennedy pointed to specific high-profile cases that he believes illustrate the Court’s political biases. He highlighted the legal battles involving former Auditor General Daniel Domelevo, legislation related to LGBTQ+ rights, and other recent rulings. “On too many occasions, like the Domelevo case, the LGBT case, and in this current case, our Supreme Court appears now to be doing more politics than law,” he stated, emphasizing the need for the judiciary to remain free from political influence.
Kennedy expressed his concern that the judiciary should not be swayed by the political climate, noting that in many parts of the world, the judicial system operates independently of political pressures. He urged the Ghanaian Supreme Court to be vigilant in avoiding entanglement with political issues, which could compromise its integrity.
He particularly criticized the lengthy delays associated with the Domelevo case, contrasting it with the swift handling of the LGBT legislation. “It is strange, for example, that Domelevo’s case took as long as it did,” Kennedy remarked, questioning why some cases seem to receive expedited treatment while others languish. This inconsistency, he warned, contributes to a growing perception that the judiciary is biased and overly politicized.
Kennedy’s comments came shortly after a notable ruling by a five-member panel of the Supreme Court, which issued a stay of execution against the Speaker of Parliament’s declaration that four parliamentary seats were vacant. This ruling followed a declaration made by Speaker Alban Bagbin, based on constitutional provisions, and has sparked further debate regarding the Court’s priorities and decisions.
Looking ahead, Kennedy cautioned that the current trajectory of the judiciary might set a dangerous precedent. He warned that if political biases continue to permeate judicial decisions, future governments may feel compelled to create their own judicial and electoral bodies out of distrust for the existing institutions. “I fear that sooner or later, we are going to get into the realm where every new government will insist on having its own Supreme Court and its own Electoral Commission,” he said.
In closing, Kennedy called for a comprehensive reassessment of Ghana’s judicial framework. He underscored that unchecked political involvement poses a significant risk to the stability of the nation’s democracy. “This judiciary, and particularly this Supreme Court, is too eager to stick its nose in political affairs,” he concluded, urging a return to the foundational principles of impartiality and justice.
Source: GhanaWeb
