We must ensure judiciary doesn’t succumb to partisan capture – Yaw Nsarkoh

Former Unilever executive Yaw Nsarkoh warned Ghanaians that the judiciary is at risk of being captured by politics, which could erode public confidence and the courts' role as a pillar of democracy. He emphasized that the judicial system serves as the final safeguard against political overreach and urged citizens to safeguard its independence.

Nsarkoh highlighted a drop in trust in Ghanaian courts, from 61% in 2002 to 38% in 2022, as evidence of a deteriorating public faith. He cited a belief among 57% of respondents that judges were swayed by political leaders, signaling increasing worries about judicial impartiality. Nsarkoh noted that political tactics under various governments, particularly through presidential appointments, have intensified the impression of political sway over the judiciary.

Over 70% of Supreme Court members were appointed by a single president between 2017 and 2024, and the same administration under President John Dramani Mahama continued its judicial appointments. High-profile cases, such as election petitions and constitutional interpretations, were frequently seen as reflecting partisan interests.

Reports from organizations like the Centre for Democratic Development Ghana, the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs, and the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative raised alarms about ongoing delays, hazy criteria for judicial promotions, and court growth during politically tense periods. Nsarkoh suggested that Ghana's judicial reforms could benefit from digitalization, case-tracking systems, and transparent appointment procedures to enhance public confidence.

He argued that the structural vulnerability of Ghana's judiciary to political influence posed a genuine threat to the courts' ability to carry out their responsibilities free from partisan meddling.