Elikem Kotoko, Deputy National Organizer of the NDC, has expressed that Yaw Acheampong Boafo’s statement, urging the public to refrain from politicizing judicial matters, falls short of expectations, implying that the GBA President’s comments lack substance or clarity.
Elikem Kotoko acknowledged Yaw Acheampong Boafo’s courage in speaking out but countered that the NPP government has consistently failed to hold its appointees accountable for various wrongdoings and atrocities committed with impunity since taking office, implying a lack of accountability and rule of law.
“And I can recount for you instances where hoodlums from the party [NPP] went to misconduct themselves at Ayawaso West Wuogon, some went to the High Court in Kumasi to do same. Others assaulted a police officer at the Flagstaff House, the seat of government. And you have even heard the likes of Kandapa make some comments that suggest that even verdicts that are coming out from the Judiciary are lopsided and seemingly in line with a particular political party”.
Elikem Kotoko
He pointed out that this state of affairs is unhealthy for the nation and expressed his expectation that the GBA President, Yaw Acheampong Boafo, should demonstrate equal boldness in admonishing judges and the judiciary, not just ordinary citizens and political players.
Elikem countered that the GBA President’s assertion that there are no judges affiliated with the NPP or NDC is misleading, suggesting that when the Judiciary creates a perception of bias, it legitimizes the public’s belief that the judiciary is politically compromised and aligned with specific parties.
“This is why Ghanaians have actually raised concerns about that. It must be stated as a matter of fact that never has the NDC wanted to raise tension in this country”. – Elikem Kotoko
He reasoned that if the GBA remains silent and fails to condemn statements like those made by Bryan Acheampong and the NPP, who claim they will not cede power to the NDC even if they win, then the GBA President is displaying cowardice by not speaking out against such threats.
NPP Deputy GS Defends Judiciary’s Independence
Haruna Mohammed, the Deputy General Secretary of the NPP, disagreed with Kotoko’s view, emphasizing that the Judiciary is impartial and serves all citizens equally, and in a democratic country like Ghana, the rule of law prevails, suggesting that the Judiciary is independent and functions without political bias.
Haruna Mohammed accused the NDC of consistently disparaging the Judiciary, alleging that the opposition party selectively praises or criticizes the Judiciary based on whether a ruling aligns with their interests, rather than upholding the principle of judicial independence and impartiality.
“These are the same judges. I continue to say that, justice is not a commodity in the market where you would describe or prescribe the category or the kind of justice that you need where it will be produced to you. Justice is fought for within the court system when you are able to argue and make sure your case is properly presented. For me, I will say that this falls as part of the democratic process”.
Haruna Mohammed
Haruna Mohammed pointed out that the NDC, during their tenure in office, had fostered a culture of violence, whereas the NPP, as the current government, has demonstrated its commitment to upholding the rule of law by introducing legislation aimed at curbing vigilantism and promoting peace and stability.
He echoed the GBA President’s sentiments, emphasizing that the repercussions of violence and vigilantism extend far beyond the confines of the NDC and NPP, affecting the entire nation, and therefore, necessitating a collective and comprehensive approach to address this pressing issue.
Haruna Mohammed reiterated Yaw Acheampong Boafo’s position, affirming that judges in Ghana are not aligned with any political party, and thus, remain impartial and independent in their decision-making, free from political influence or bias.
“We don’t have NPP judges, we have Ghanaian citizens who sit on the bench to make sure that they dispense justice”. – Haruna Mohammed
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