Former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Member of Parliament for Awutu-Senya West, Hannah Serwaa Tetteh, has raised concerns about the decision-making process of Ghana’s Supreme Court, questioning whether the justices take public opinion and broader societal impacts into consideration when delivering their rulings.
In a post on her Facebook page, Tetteh, who also serves as the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, highlighted the critical role of the judiciary in safeguarding stability in Ghana’s democracy, especially in the lead-up to national elections. She expressed particular concern about politically sensitive cases.
“When the Justices of the Supreme Court take their decisions or make orders in whatever circumstances, not just in the context of the recent ex-parte decision against the Speaker’s ruling, do they listen to the public commentary and reflect on their decision, its implications and how it has been received not only by the parties to the particular suit or in a case with political undertones?” Tetteh queried.
While acknowledging the judiciary’s duty to impartially interpret and apply the law, she emphasized that these rulings occur within a broader social context that includes a variety of stakeholders. Her comments come at a time when the political climate in Ghana is becoming increasingly charged, with tensions rising ahead of upcoming elections.
“We live in hyper-partisan times, and the closer we get to elections, the more tense the political environment becomes, and consequently, the times when peace and security within the state is at its most fragile,” she noted.
Tetteh concluded by underscoring the need for a strong, principled judiciary, which she said is essential to maintaining a vibrant democracy. “They have an important role to play in ensuring this democracy not only survives but thrives,” she said.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Emmanuel Mensah
