By Chrsitopher Arko, GNA
Accra, Oct. 21 GNA – Mr Yaw Nsarkoh, former Executive Vice President of Unilever Ghana and Nigeria, has called for the creation of an independent body to supervise the appointments of superior courts judges, saying the President should not have any role in the process.
He argued that the proposed body for the selection of judges should be made of retired Supreme Court judges ito take out some of the partisan manipulation that the current arrangements allow.
Mr Nsarkoh made the statement when he spoke at Joy News and An Amalgam of Professionals event in Accra attended by people from academia, lawyers, engineers among others.
He argued that the current selection process subjects the judiciary to political influence and create conditions that could discourage judges from making decisions that displease those in power.
“The judiciary is the last institutional line of defence in any functioning democracy; we should all what we can to ensure that the judiciary does not succumb to partisan capture” he said.
Mr Nsarkoh argued that the appointments and promotions of judges have been politicized under successive governments, with the two major political parties NDC and NPP raising concerns about the process when in opposition but exercising appointment powers when in government.
“We need to set-up an independent appointments body for judges of the superior courts, that is, de facto and de jure, much, much more insulated from the executive influence of what is, in reality in our current constitution, an imperial presidency,” he said.
Mr Nsarkoh also emphasized that the proposed body must be truly independent, with the President excluded from nominations, appointments and consultations that could amount to indirect control.
He also questioned whether judges seeking promotion could feel free to deliver rulings that run counter to the interests of the government responsible for their elevation.
He argued that the perceived vulnerability of the judiciary to political influence risks undermining public confidence in the justice system.
He urged Ghana to consider institutional reforms that would make judicial appointments more transparent and protect the independence of judges, regardless of the party in power.
Dr Valentin Kwasi Mensah, Chief Executive Officer of CBS Consulting in his remark called for safeguarding, transparent and merit-based selection for the judiciary which commands public confidence.
He argued that breaking this cycle of partisan selection on to the judiciary requires auditable party finances, independent enforcements, merit-based appointment and cause, free from retaliation.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Chrsitopher Arko