UN Envoy Calls for Improved Communication from Ghana’s Judiciary to Strengthen Democracy
The UN Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel, Leonardo Santos Simão, has highlighted the crucial role of Ghana’s judiciary in supporting democracy and called for enhanced communication efforts to foster public trust. Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express, Simão praised the Ghanaian judiciary's professionalism, particularly in its adjudication of electoral disputes, but cautioned that limited public communication has sometimes led to misunderstandings of judicial decisions.
Simão emphasized the judiciary’s role as a “last line of defense” for democracy, especially in contexts where it must navigate complex election-related issues. Yet, he noted, professional competence alone cannot bridge the gap between the judiciary and the public’s understanding of its actions. According to Simão, “High professionalism alone isn’t enough; the quality of communication must also match the stakes involved.”
In response to this communication challenge, the judiciary has recently initiated efforts to publish accessible adjudication models. Simão believes this step is essential to enhancing transparency and bridging gaps in public understanding. He suggested that, in a diverse society, the judiciary should cater to different audiences, offering technical explanations for legal professionals and simplified information for the general public. He added that, without accessible explanations, misinterpretations may arise, potentially undermining the public’s confidence in judicial outcomes.
“Improving the clarity and accessibility of information for different levels of society is crucial,” Simão stated, pointing out that communication improvements are particularly vital during election cycles, when public scrutiny of the judiciary intensifies. By increasing transparency and making judicial decisions more understandable, the judiciary can strengthen its role in ensuring a fair electoral process and maintaining peace.
Simão concluded that these efforts to enhance communication are critical for building public trust in Ghana’s legal institutions. He urged the judiciary to prioritize openness, as it can only further bolster its credibility in safeguarding democratic integrity during elections.
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