President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has expressed his strong disapproval of the recent attack on the judiciary by former President John Dramani Mahama

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has expressed his strong disapproval of the recent attack on the judiciary by former President John Dramani Mahama, who is the 2024 flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). The President has warned that such an attack is a threat to the independence of the judiciary, which is a key pillar of democracy.

President’s Speech

He has, therefore, called on Ghanaians to reject Mahama’s bid to return to power in the 2024 general elections. Speaking at the 23rd Ghana Bar Association Annual Conference in Cape Coast on Monday, September 11, President Akufo-Addo stated that the concepts of ‘NPP’ and ‘NDC’ judges are new in the public discourse and extremely dangerous. He noted that these concepts represent the most brazen attack on the independence of the judiciary by any allegedly responsible politician of the 4th Republic.

Airbus bribery scandal Referral

He further added that the former President’s statements provide another reason, if more were needed, why right-thinking citizens should ensure Mahama’s defeat in 2024. President Akufo-Addo also referred to the unresolved Airbus bribery scandal, in which Mahama was identified as Government Official No.1 by the first Special Prosecutor, as another reason why he should not be allowed to return to power.

Mahama’s View on Appointing Judges

The former President had earlier urged lawyers aligned to the NDC to prepare themselves to be appointed to the bench, to “balance out what the current situation is”. Speaking at the 3rd Annual Lawyers Conference of the NDC on Saturday, September 2, Mahama accused President Akufo-Addo of appointing the highest number of judges and packing the court with NPP-inclined judges.

He alleged that the government wants to avoid accountability after they have left office, hence the deliberate policy of putting their people on the bench. Mahama, therefore, charged the NDC lawyers to ready themselves for similar appointments when he ascends to the presidency again.

President Akufo-Addo’s response

President Akufo-Addo’s response to Mahama’s attack on the judiciary is a clear indication of his commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that the judiciary remains independent. He has called on all Ghanaians, regardless of their political affiliation, to support this cause and reject any attempts to compromise the independence of the judiciary.

FAQ’s

What did Mahama accuse the government of about judicial appointments? Mahama alleged that the government wants to avoid accountability after they have left office, hence the deliberate policy of putting their people on the bench.
What did former President John Dramani Mahama say at the 3rd Annual Lawyers Conference of the NDC? At the conference, Mahama urged lawyers aligned with the NDC to prepare themselves to be appointed to the bench to “balance out what the current situation is”. He accused President Akufo-Addo of appointing the highest number of judges and packing the court with NPP-inclined judges.
What is President Akufo-Addo’s stance on the independence of the judiciary? President Akufo-Addo is strongly committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that the judiciary remains independent. He has called on all Ghanaians, regardless of their political affiliation, to support this cause and reject any attempts to compromise the independence of the judiciary.
What did Mahama charge the NDC lawyers to do? Mahama charged the NDC lawyers to ready themselves for judicial appointments when he ascends to the presidency again.
What is the significance of the judiciary’s independence? The judiciary’s independence is a key pillar of democracy as it ensures that the rule of law is upheld and that all individuals are subject to the same legal standards. The judiciary’s independence is essential for maintaining a just and fair society.