Former Auditor-General Daniel Yao Domelovo has stated that the interpretation of the Constitution is not exclusively the responsibility of the Supreme Court of Ghana.
Speaking at a forum organized by Crusaders Against Corruption in Koforidua on Tuesday, Domelovo stated that Article 34 of the Constitution grants citizens the right to interpret and apply the Constitution.
He expressed concerns about the common belief that the Supreme Court is the only body qualified to interpret the Constitution stating that it is an erroneous impression.
“Over the past four or five days, I have been hearing even including Lawyers saying that the interpretation of the Constitution and laws in this country is the preserve of the Supreme Court. I ask which school did you attend? Article 34 provides the directive principles of state policy which according to the Constitution should guide the President, the parliament, the Executive, and everyone including us (all the citizens) in doing through this interpreting and applying the Constitution”.
He added “So it is a constitutional right to interpret the Constitution it is only when the interpretation conflicts with yours then we now activate the Supreme Court to come in. But let nobody deceive us, if you doubt me don’t trust me go home look at article 34 it enjoins all of us to interpret and apply the Constitution. So when people say no no no! You have no right to interpret the Constitution I ask where are you coming from? Which school”.
His comment follow recent controversy surrounding a Supreme Court ruling on the Speaker of Parliament’s declaration of four parliamentary seats as vacant.
Domelovo also addressed the importance of upholding the integrity of the Supreme Court, urging the judges to heed the advice of the National Security Minister and maintain professionalism to protect the court’s reputation and peace of the country.
“I will like to admonish them [Supreme Court] that they should heed to the advice given them by the minister of National Security. Hon. Kan Dapaa told them that if your interpretation is titled so much towards us[government] all the time it will create problems. Have you seen that it is creating problems?. Yesterday I read it somewhere that the former chief Justice Sophia Akufo said the Supreme Court is now very predictable. If she actually said it then I cannot agree more with her. We need professionalism we have only one country”
On the subject of corruption in the public sector, Domelovo warned that worsening corruption is depriving the public of development and affecting livelihoods.
He stressed the need for effective financial management systems and the strengthening of key institutions such as the Police, the Auditor-General’s office, and the Office of the Special Prosecutor to help curb the growing issue of corruption.
He further called for increased funding for these institutions and advocated for a merit-based system to ensure that qualified individuals are appointed to positions of responsibility. Domelovo also highlighted the need for strict enforcement of the assets and liabilities declaration law, lifestyle audits, and fiscal decentralization as key measures in the fight against corruption.
Lastly, Daniel Yao Domelovo admonished the youth to be awake from their slumber to use democratic principles to fight against corruption.
Emmanuel Wilson Junior, Chief Crusader of the anti- corruption group urged corruption fighters to be steadfast against threats and intimidations.
The forum rotating across the country was attended by chiefs, clergy, Journalists, citizens, and other groups.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Kojo Ansah
