Judicial System in Ghana: A Race Between Marathons and Sprints

In strikingly examining Ghana’s judicial system, investigative journalist Manasseh Azurri highlights a troubling disparity in how cases are handled, particularly those involving political implications. The saga began in July 2020 when Professor Kwaku Asare filed a lawsuit against the Attorney General regarding President Akufo-Addo’s controversial directive for Auditor-General Daniel Domelevo to take a 167-day leave.

Despite the constitutional questions raised, the case languished in the Supreme Court for nearly a year. By April 2021, Asare withdrew the suit, frustrated by the undue delays that prevented a timely resolution. The Supreme Court was tasked with determining the legality of the President’s actions; had it acted swiftly, Domelevo might have resumed his duties, potentially embarrassing the administration.

In a parallel development, civil society organizations pursued a similar case, which took an astonishing three years to resolve. Ultimately, the Supreme Court ruled that the President’s actions were unconstitutional. However, by that time, Domelevo had already retired, rendering the ruling largely symbolic.

The contrast becomes even more pronounced when examining another high-profile case involving James Gyakye Quayson of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Following the 2020 elections, Quayson faced legal challenges that swiftly moved through the High Court to the Supreme Court, where he was compelled to vacate his seat. This case reached its conclusion far more quickly than Domelevo’s, raising questions about the criteria used by the judiciary to prioritize cases.

Critics argue that this inconsistency reflects a deeper issue within Ghana’s judicial framework. While there are many judges committed to upholding justice impartially, the Supreme Court has faced accusations of undermining its credibility, particularly in politically sensitive cases. This has led to a broader perception that all judges are compromised, which is detrimental to public trust in the legal system.

As citizens of Ghana grapple with these disparities, there is a growing call for accountability and reform within the judiciary. The current situation illustrates a troubling pattern where political calculations appear to dictate judicial outcomes—an issue that demands urgent attention and action from both legal authorities and civic society.

Source: newslinkghana.com