Prominent Ghanaian legal expert Tsatsu Tsikata has raised concerns about the judiciary’s perceived bias toward the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), warning that this perception could erode public trust in Ghana’s democratic institutions. Tsikata’s remarks come on the heels of findings from the 2024 Mo Ibrahim Index on African Governance, which highlight a significant decline in judicial independence in Ghana.
The Mo Ibrahim report reveals a concerning trend: Ghana’s judicial independence score has fallen sharply, dropping from a perfect 100% to just 50% over seven years. This decline signals a weakening in the public's trust in the judiciary’s ability to function impartially, free from political influence.
Speaking to GHOne TV, Tsikata emphasized that trust in the judiciary is vital for the credibility of both the judicial process and the legal profession as a whole. He explained, “If people lose confidence in the judiciary, it is also a loss of confidence in the legal profession. The judiciary comprises individuals who have climbed through the ranks of the legal field, and a lack of trust in their impartiality affects the entire legal process.”
Tsikata highlighted the troubling trend in which citizens humorously refer to the judiciary as a “unanimous football club,” a phrase that suggests a perceived tendency of the courts to favor the NPP. He cautioned that, while this may seem lighthearted, it reflects a deeper disillusionment among the public that could have serious implications for democratic governance. “This humor underscores a dangerous reality: if people continue to lose faith in the judicial process, the very foundation of democracy is at risk,” he said.
Looking ahead to Ghana’s 2024 general elections, Tsikata stressed the critical importance of a judiciary that maintains its impartiality and resists any appearance of political bias. He urged judicial leaders and policymakers to take steps to restore public trust by reinforcing judicial autonomy and integrity. In Tsikata’s view, a genuinely independent judiciary is essential for sustaining democracy, especially during election periods when legal challenges are likely to arise.
The findings of the 2024 Mo Ibrahim report have sparked widespread dialogue in Ghana about judicial autonomy, with calls for reforms to strengthen the judiciary’s independence. Many believe that addressing these issues is essential for ensuring a fair, balanced, and democratic system of governance that protects the rights of all citizens.
As Ghana navigates these challenges, Tsikata’s remarks serve as a clarion call for urgent action to safeguard judicial impartiality and bolster the democratic process.
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