Protect judges from arbitrary transfers, stalled careers – Yaw Nsarkoh

Former Unilever executive Yaw Nsarkoh has highlighted the need for Ghana to protect judges from career and professional risks that arise when they make decisions that go against powerful political interests. Addressing the topic as "Even Judges Must Eat," Nsarkoh emphasized that just like other professionals, judges have families, careers, and livelihoods that can be impacted by their judgements.

During a JoyNews and An Amalgam of Professionals event in Accra, he questioned the expectation that judges should sacrifice their careers or personal security to uphold the rule of law in systems susceptible to political influence.

Nsarkoh pointed out the risk of judges facing arbitrary transfers or having their careers stunted after delivering judgments that run counter to the interests of those in power. He warned that this could create a culture of professional self-preservation, where individuals might avoid making decisions or taking actions that could jeopardize their careers.

While this behaviour is not exclusive to the judiciary, Nsarkoh challenged other professionals to consider whether they are willing to stand up to powerful interests when there are personal risks involved.

However, Nsarkoh cautioned against accepting a general decline in professional standards as inevitable. He urged the discussion of needed reforms to improve institutional safeguards and create conditions where professionals could act independently without unreasonable fear of political retaliation. Nsarkoh also warned that persistent poverty and inequality could threaten social stability and guarantee lasting peace and security, as a society that fails to provide dignity for its citizens cannot ensure lasting peace and security.