Yaw Nsarkoh calls for independent prosecutor, questions use of contempt powers by courts

Former Unilever executive Yaw Nsarkoh questioned the use of contempt powers by the judiciary during an event in Accra on Tuesday. He argued that judges, like anyone else, should be subject to scrutiny and accountability. Nsarkoh stated, "If judges sit in court and write into judgment that we have freedom of speech, but not freedom after speech, why on God's earth should we be unsure whether such wanton abuse of power can be described as professionally irresponsible?" He emphasized that "power corrupts; judicial power is power too."

In addition to addressing judicial concerns, Nsarkoh called for the appointment of an independent prosecutor with Cabinet rank. He expressed doubts about the independence of the Attorney-General, noting that the position is appointed by the President and serves at their discretion. Nsarkoh advocated for a "really muscular" prosecutor who could hold even powerful government figures accountable.

The former Unilever executive also addressed the tone of public discourse, criticizing the aggressive behavior he observed among lawyers and politicians. He questioned why such aggression is deemed acceptable, especially considering the overlap of lawyers in Parliament. Nsarkoh emphasized the need for a shift in Ghana's public culture, suggesting that other countries have successfully moved beyond similar aggressive norms.

He called for Ghana to learn from its own history of governance and traditional communities to foster a more constructive political environment.