In an important meeting with the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), President John Dramani Mahama has dismissed any and all claims of hostility of his administration towards the judiciary, while reaffirming his commitment to human rights and the pursuit of justice.
He expressed his commitment to justice in his desire to resolve certain unsolved murders, including those of investigative journalist Ahmed Suale and former Member of Parliament J.B. Danquah-Adu.
“Government is open to working with you, particularly on our side of the political divide. There’s this perception that we have a problem with the legal fraternity and things like that”
President John Dramani Mahama
Addressing concerns over his administration’s stance on the judiciary, President Mahama insisted that his government sought only to strengthen public confidence in the judicial system.
He emphasized that his administration had urged law enforcement agencies to take a more aggressive approach in resolving cases that had remained dormant for years.
President Mahama confirmed the recent arrest of a suspect in the murder of Ahmed Suale, describing it as a significant breakthrough that could lead to further arrests.
“We’re hoping that his interrogation will lead to further arrests of people.”
He also called for a swift conclusion to the prosecution of individuals connected to the murder of J.B. Danquah-Adu, stressing that investigators should explore the possibility of additional accomplices.
The president stated that his government had prioritized ensuring that these high-profile cases did not fade into obscurity.
He underscored the importance of accountability in the judiciary, noting that the perception of corruption within the legal system needed urgent attention.
Judiciary Under Scrutiny
President Mahama acknowledged that public “perception of the judiciary,” had been increasingly negative, citing multiple surveys that painted an unflattering picture of the institution’s credibility.
He pointed out that reports of financial mismanagement within government institutions were recurring issues that required an effective judicial response.
He highlighted that billions of cedis were reportedly misappropriated every year, yet the process of holding those responsible accountable was often slow and bureaucratic.
“We must have a fast track court where we’re able to deal with this so that we deter people from just misusing government funds like that”
President John Dramani Mahama
According to him, ensuring that such cases were adjudicated promptly would serve as a deterrent against financial misconduct in public service.
He again dismissed any notion of animosity, insisting that his government was open to collaboration with the judiciary to promote fairness and transparency.
He assured legal professionals that his government remained receptive to any recommendations aimed at improving the justice system.
He called on the judiciary and other stakeholders to work together to restore public trust in the country’s legal institutions.
GBA Appeals for Court Complexes
The president of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), Mrs Efua Ghartey, raised concerns about inadequate infrastructure within the judicial system.
She appealed to President Mahama to prioritize the completion of court complexes in various regions to accommodate the growing number of legal practitioners and improve the delivery of justice.
“Mister President, when we assumed office as the Bar, it came to our attention during a visit to the Upper West Region that there is an uncompleted court complex.
“They indicated that funding was available up to a point, but they require extra funds to complete the project”
Mrs. Efua Ghartey, GBA President
Mrs. Ghartey highlighted the urgent need to complete the unfinished court complex in the Upper West Region, and also stressed the necessity of constructing a court complex in Cape Coast.
She cited environmental factors that had made the current court premises unsuitable.
The association argued that the harsh coastal conditions had negatively impacted court operations, making the establishment of a new facility essential.
In addition, the GBA drew attention to Tema, describing it as a rapidly expanding city with an overburdened judicial system.
“Mister President, Tema is a fast-growing city, and its courthouses are bursting at the seams. Some years back, plans for a new court complex were on the drawing board, but it appears they have been abandoned.
“We want to bring this issue back to the forefront because the judiciary in Tema is in dire need of additional space”
Mrs. Efua Ghartey, GBA President
President Mahama acknowledged the concerns raised by the association and assured them that his administration would evaluate the requests.
He reiterated his commitment to strengthening the judicial system by addressing both infrastructural and procedural challenges.
His remarks reinforced his broader agenda of reforming the legal sector and ensuring that justice remained accessible to all.
READ MORE: South Korea Ravaged By Largest Wildfires On Record
