Professor Stephen Adei, a former Rector of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), has voiced serious concerns over the possibility of Chief Justice removal by President-elect John Dramani Mahama.
During an interview with TV3 on Sunday, December 23, 2024, Professor Adei cautioned that such a move could have grave consequences for the country’s judiciary and democratic future. He underscored the importance of preserving judicial independence, arguing that political interference in the judiciary could undermine public confidence in its integrity.
“The judiciary is a cornerstone of democracy, and tampering with its leadership for political gain would be catastrophic,” Professor Adei stated. “Removing the Chief Justice under such circumstances would set a harmful precedent that could jeopardise Ghana’s governance and institutional stability.”
He urged political leaders to resist the urge to politicise critical state institutions, particularly the judiciary, emphasizing that this could erode trust and weaken democracy.
Professor Adei also called on stakeholders to uphold constitutional principles in judicial appointments and dismissals, highlighting the need for decisions to align with the rule of law and the broader interests of the nation. He warned that failing to do so could destabilise Ghana’s democratic progress and threaten the judiciary’s credibility.
“This country needs leaders who prioritise institutional integrity over partisan ambitions,” he added. “If we compromise the judiciary today, the repercussions will haunt us for generations.”
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Gumedzo Isaac Acheampong