Governance expert Dr Frederick Oduro has called for stronger constitutional protection of citizens’ rights amid rising concerns over political tensions linked to governance and law enforcement actions. He stated that democratic stability depends on the equal application of the law, free from political influence or partisan pressure.
The governance analyst warned that public institutions risk losing neutrality when political considerations influence their operations. He noted that perceptions of partisanship within state structures undermine public trust and weaken democratic accountability.
According to him, the politicisation of governance processes remains a recurring challenge that affects fairness in public administration. He observed that individuals who do not align with politicians often feel vulnerable within the system.
He stressed that constitutional safeguards must remain central to governance to ensure equal protection for all citizens. He argued that strict adherence to the rule of law provides the foundation for fairness and national cohesion.
“I’m not going to pass judgment on any side in this matter, but I want to emphasize that, as a country, we must begin to respect our laws. What does the Constitution say? I mean, if you go into the Constitution, Article 21(1)(a) guarantees freedom of expression.”
Dr. Frederick Oduro
Dr Oduro cautioned against the use of state institutions to target individuals based on their political views. He said such practices create fear and discourage open participation in democratic discourse.
He further urged responsible communication among citizens and politicians, noting that freedom of expression must be exercised with restraint. He stressed that public engagement should reflect decorum to prevent unnecessary escalation of tensions.
He also warned that inflammatory political language could increase divisions within society. He emphasised that responsible speech is essential for sustaining peace and democratic order.
The expert noted that consistency in applying standards across political administrations is key to strengthening public trust. He stated that actions condemned under one government should not be tolerated under another.
According to him, fairness in governance requires objective assessment of events rather than partisan interpretation. He emphasised that allegations of intimidation must be examined through verified facts and due process.
“I mean, today the NDC is in power, and the NPP is crying that its members are being victimised. In the same way, if the NDC should be out of power tomorrow, we are likely to hear the same thing. I don’t think that is healthy for us. We need a system that is fair and just to everyone.”
Dr. Frederick Oduro
The governance expert concluded that national progress depends on respect for legal frameworks and institutional neutrality. He added that sustained adherence to constitutional principles is essential for long-term stability.
State Institutions Must Be Strengthened Through Rule of Law Compliance
Dr. Oduro called on national stakeholders to reinforce state institutions by strictly adhering to legal procedures and respecting judicial authority. He noted that public confidence in governance is anchored in the credibility of institutions responsible for delivering justice.
He explained that disagreements with court decisions should be pursued through established legal avenues rather than through public criticism of the judiciary. According to him, the appeal process remains the constitutionally recognised mechanism for reviewing and challenging judicial outcomes.
He further stressed that safeguarding judicial independence requires a collective commitment to shielding the courts from external influence. He cautioned that persistent public attacks on judges undermines the integrity of the justice system on which citizens depend.
The expert underscored that the judiciary functions as the final arbiter in dispute resolution within a rule of law framework. He warned that attempts to weaken its authority could create uncertainty in governance and threaten national stability.
Dr Oduro appealed for restraint in public responses to court rulings, emphasizing that the legal system already provides structured avenues for review and correction. He noted that recourse to higher courts forms an integral part of democratic justice delivery.
Referencing past experiences, he observed that judicial officers have at times faced undue public scrutiny and argued that such patterns should not be repeated. He maintained that protecting judges from external pressure is essential to ensuring impartial adjudication.
He reiterated that disagreement with rulings does not justify attacks on institutions.
According to him, the rule of law depends on patience and confidence in institutional mechanisms. He added that citizens who pursue legitimate legal remedies ultimately strengthen democratic governance.
He further urged stakeholders to avoid conduct that erodes public trust in state institutions, noting that institutional damage has long-term consequences for justice delivery and governance.
Consequently, he explained that civility in political and legal discourse is essential for democratic stability. He said respectful engagement with institutions fosters national cohesion and reinforces trust in the governance system.
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