Tsatsu Tsikata: Public Perception of Judiciary Favouring NPP Threatens Democracy
In a recent statement, prominent Ghanaian lawyer Tsatsu Tsikata raised concerns about the perceived impartiality of the judiciary in Ghana. According to Tsikata, this perception has the potential to undermine public trust in the judicial system, a critical pillar of democracy. He cautioned that if the judiciary is seen as favouring the New Patriotic Party (NPP), it could erode the public’s faith in the independence and fairness of judicial processes, ultimately threatening democratic stability.
Tsikata, who has a well-established reputation in Ghana's legal field, warned that when citizens feel the courts are skewed toward one political party, it creates an environment where the rule of law could be overshadowed by partisan interests. He emphasized that this perception might prevent individuals and groups from seeking justice through the judicial system, fearing biased outcomes. “When people perceive the judiciary as partial, they lose confidence in the law's ability to protect their rights impartially,” Tsikata stated. He urged the judiciary to uphold its independence and avoid actions that may appear to favor any political entity.
Ghana has long prided itself on its democratic institutions, including an independent judiciary. However, public perception has increasingly questioned this independence, especially as high-profile cases involving political figures are often scrutinized for perceived biases. Tsikata highlighted the recent cases involving NPP and opposition figures, noting that decisions perceived as favoring the ruling party have raised suspicions among the public.
For Tsikata, maintaining judicial independence is paramount to Ghana’s democratic future. He called on the judiciary to ensure transparency in its rulings and to act with neutrality. According to him, a judiciary perceived as fair would enhance public confidence and strengthen Ghana’s democracy.
“Ghana has made remarkable strides in its democratic journey, but we cannot afford for this foundation to be weakened by doubts in one of our key institutions,” he said. Tsikata’s comments come at a time when Ghanaian society is increasingly polarized, and calls for fairness, impartiality, and transparency in governance have grown louder.
Tsikata’s call for judicial independence and transparency resonates with a significant portion of the Ghanaian public who believe that a neutral judiciary is essential for a balanced democracy. The ability of the judiciary to remain impartial not only secures justice but also reinforces democracy by ensuring all citizens and political parties are treated equally under the law.
Tsikata concluded his remarks with a powerful reminder: “Without a judiciary that all citizens can trust, democracy suffers. We must protect the integrity of our judicial system for future generations and the continued peace of our nation.”
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