‘Apologise if you accept you erred’ — Political Analyst tells Chief Justice

Dr Bernard Tutu-Boahene, a political analyst, has advised Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie to retract and apologize for his recent statements on state-owned enterprises if he acknowledges making a mistake. He believes that doing so would enhance his reputation rather than damage it. Speaking on Adom TV’s ‘Nnawotwe Yi’, Tutu-Boahene highlighted the Bangalore Principles, which all chief justices, judicial services, and lawyers globally adhere to, emphasizing impartiality and propriety.

He argued that the Chief Justice should have kept his observations to himself, suggesting that while he is entitled to express his views as a Ghanaian citizen, it may not be wise given his position. Tutu-Boahene also pointed out that the comments undermine the very standards the Chief Justice is supposed to uphold, questioning his credibility and integrity.

He criticized the Judicial Service’s response to the controversy, finding it defensive and unhelpful. The analyst warned of a broader erosion of political neutrality among public office holders in Ghana, noting that Article 276 of the 1992 Constitution prohibits chiefs from engaging in partisan politics, yet this practice is common without repercussions.

He highlighted that public servants who are barred from active politics also face similar disregard for the rules. Tutu-Boahene warned that failing to protect political neutrality could endanger Ghana's democracy, politics, and national security. He urged heads of public institutions to adhere to the rules governing their offices, noting that once appointed, they can only share certain views in private.