{"id":103684,"date":"2025-11-17T18:02:03","date_gmt":"2025-11-17T18:02:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sotnews.agency\/?p=103684"},"modified":"2025-11-17T18:02:03","modified_gmt":"2025-11-17T18:02:03","slug":"independent-judiciary-is-a-constitutional-necessity-not-a-favour-mahama","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sotnews.agency\/?p=103684","title":{"rendered":"Independent judiciary is a constitutional necessity, not a favour \u2013 Mahama"},"content":{"rendered":"
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President John Mahama has said that judicial independence is a constitutional duty, not a privilege granted to the courts. <\/p>\n

Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of the new Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, at the Presidency on Monday, November 17, President Mahama said, \u201cAn independent judiciary is not a favour to the courts; it is a constitutional necessity sometimes criticised.\u201d<\/p>\n

He added that public trust depended on how well the judiciary protects this principle.<\/p>\n

The President explained that the new Chief Justice carries a heavy responsibility. <\/p>\n

\u201cAs Chief Justice, you are the first guardian of these principles within the judicial arm. Judicial independence and separation of powers. The strength of our democracy depends on a delicate yet essential balance of powers among the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

He reminded the newly sworn-in head of the judiciary that each arm of government has a separate role but must still work together. <\/p>\n

\u201cEach branch is supposed to operate independently, and yet they have to collaborate in order to serve the common good.\u201d<\/p>\n

President Mahama assured the judiciary of full support from the executive. <\/p>\n

\u201cToday, as President, I pledge my unwavering commitment to the independence of the judiciary,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

He pointed out that Ghanaians expect a justice system they can trust. <\/p>\n

\u201cOur people want institutions that work, but they also demand institutions that they can trust. The judiciary in particular must be above reproach. One single act of corruption by a judicial officer can undermine years of hard work and erode public confidence in the entire system.\u201d<\/p>\n

Turning to the expectations for the new Chief Justice, the President said, \u201cMy Lord Chief Justice, one of your most urgent tasks is to strengthen integrity within the judiciary.\u201d<\/p>\n

He detailed four areas that need attention. He noted that this involves \u201cfirm but fair disciplinary standards for judges and staff\u201d, as well as \u201ctransparent and predictable procedures for case assignments and management\u201d.<\/p>\n

He further stated the need for \u201cstrong internal mechanisms to address allegations of misconduct\u201d and \u201ca culture where ethical conduct is rewarded and wrongdoing is swiftly sanctioned.\u201d<\/p>\n

President Mahama said that the justice system must be seen as fair and accessible to all. <\/p>\n

\u201cOur citizens must know and feel that justice in Ghana is not for sale, and that no one, regardless of their power or status, is too powerful or too humble to be held accountable under the law.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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