Former government spokesperson and governance analyst, Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to desist from what he describes as undue interference in the affairs of the judiciary, warning that recent developments threaten the balance of power among the arms of government.
His remarks come in the wake of the dismissal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo and the nomination of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as her replacement – a move that has ignited national debate over the sanctity of judicial independence.
Speaking on the matter, Dr. Boakye-Danquah described the removal of Justice Torkornoo as “unorthodox,” saying it undermines public confidence in Ghana’s democratic institutions. He maintained that the 1992 Constitution clearly demarcates the separation of powers and urged the Mahama administration to uphold that constitutional principle.
“We want to continually remind the state government that we should allow each of the arms of government to be independent to exercise their mandate given to them by the 1992 Constitution without any interference whatsoever by a sitting government”
Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, Former Government Spokesperson and Governance Analyst
He argued that the presidency’s growing influence over the judiciary poses a long-term threat to justice delivery and democratic stability. According to him, the role of the judiciary in safeguarding national integrity must never be compromised by executive interests or political expediency.
“My caution is really about the manner and way the former Chief Justice was removed,” Dr. Boakye-Danquah said, expressing concern that the process breached constitutional norms and must not be allowed to stand.
With the vetting of Justice Baffoe-Bonnie by Parliament’s Appointments Committee nigh, Dr. Boakye-Danquah called on the acting Chief Justice to uphold the principles of the rule of law once sworn in. He urged him to remain independent and fair, resisting any external pressures that could influence judicial outcomes under his leadership.
“It is important that in his discharge of duties, he is guided by the independence of the judiciary and ensures that whatever cases that come to court are guided by the law, not by any intrinsic motives”
Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, Former Government Spokesperson and Governance Analyst
Dr. Boakye-Danquah stressed that Ghana’s progress as a democracy depends largely on the credibility of its courts, adding that the judiciary must remain a neutral arbiter even in politically sensitive cases.
Mounting Security Concerns
The former government spokesperson, who also served as a lecturer in governance and security at the University of Professional Studies, Accra, expressed broader concerns about the country’s deteriorating security situation.
He accused President Mahama of failing to show adequate leadership in tackling the escalating breakdown of law and order across the country.
“I do not think the President of Ghana understands what is going on in this country. I am troubled about the breakdown of rural and urban security. I wish him the best, but I do not think he is taking our security seriously”
Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, Former Government Spokesperson and Governance Analyst
Dr. Boakye-Danquah cited recent violent clashes between the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) task force and armed groups in the Ahafo Region, as well as incidents involving Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials near Obuasi, as proof that the country’s internal security system was under strain.
“When the President gives speeches, it doesn’t bring back the lives of those who have died. We have consistently urged the President to declare a state of emergency. Please, Mr. President, you are the Commander-in-Chief; you have every right to ensure the Ghanaian people remain safe. We are not safe in this country”
Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, Former Government Spokesperson and Governance Analyst
According to Dr. Boakye-Danquah, the lapses in intelligence coordination have made it easier for armed elements to undermine the authority of state security agencies. He argued that Ghana’s intelligence infrastructure must be overhauled to respond effectively to emerging threats and protect the lives of citizens.
“Our security agencies have operatives nationwide – so what’s eluding our intelligence system?” he questioned, urging the government to take bold tactical decisions to reinforce the country’s security and restore public trust in national institutions.
He added that it was time for President Mahama to demonstrate decisive leadership by addressing both governance and security lapses to prevent Ghana’s democratic reputation from being eroded.
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