The Minority in Parliament has warned President John Dramani Mahama to desist from politicizing the judiciary, citing concerns over his recent statements on the need to make the judiciary independent.
According to Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, former finance minister, the Minority believes that President Mahama’s claims about the politicization of the judiciary are unfounded and misleading.
“The President’s statements about the politicization of the judiciary are only an expression of his own agenda, which he kept touting before the elections,” Dr. Adam stated.
Addressing a Press conference in Parliament, the former Minister for Finance explained that “This is a myth in their own minds that they are pushing to discredit the only institution that is not formed by political parties.”
Dr. Adam emphasized that the appointment of lower court judges is the prerogative of the Chief Justice, subject to the approval of the President, under Article 148 of the 1992 Constitution.
“No political person has the power to start the process. If the President doesn’t approve, all he can say is no,” Dr. Adam explained.
The Minority also noted that the appointment of Superior Court Judges is not solely the responsibility of the President.
“Pursuant to Article 144 of the constitution, Superior Court Judges are not appointed by the President alone. His choices must be approved by the Judicial Council, and by the Council of State,” Dr. Adam stated.
Dr. Adam also questioned the President’s suggestion that the non-lawyers appointed to the Judicial Council can politicize the independent thinking of the majority of members.
“How is the President suggesting that these non-lawyers that the President sends can politicize the independent thinking of the remaining majority 18 on the council?” Dr. Adam asked.
The Minority warned that such utterances by politicians can affect the ability of judges to serve the country independently.
“Judges are professionals who must serve our democracy free of insinuations that intimidate them as if they don’t tow a political line, they will not be appointed to the next level,” Dr. Adam stated.
-BY Daniel Bampoe
