Parliament has urged all political actors to stay away from the judiciary, as Ghana marks the 150th anniversary of the Supreme Court with a renewed call to protect its independence.
Delivering a message of solidarity on behalf of Parliament on Thursday, April 14, Deputy Minority Whip Jerry Ahmed Shaib stressed that the Supreme Court must be allowed to perform its constitutional duties “without fear or favour.” He called on all stakeholders to safeguard the independence of the bench.
He made the remarks at the official launch of the Supreme Court’s 150th anniversary celebrations held at the University of Ghana, which brought together judges, lawyers, and key players in the justice sector.
The event comes amid ongoing public concerns about political interference in state institutions, making renewed calls for judicial independence especially significant as Ghana reflects on the evolution of its legal system.
Mr. Shaib referenced landmark rulings of the Supreme Court, saying such decisions have played a key role in strengthening Ghana’s democracy and reinforcing equal access to justice.
“These rulings show that justice in Ghana is not reserved for a privileged few, but is the right of every citizen,” he noted.
He added that the judiciary must remain an impartial arbiter of the nation’s democratic journey, warning against any attempt to drag it into partisan politics. According to him, the credibility of the courts depends on their neutrality and commitment to the rule of law.
“The judiciary’s strength lies in its ability to interpret the law without fear or favour,” he said, adding that adherence to due process and resistance to political pressure are essential to maintaining public trust.
Mr. Shaib also called for a collective national effort to uphold the Constitution and respect the independence of the courts, urging both citizens and political leaders to protect judicial autonomy.
“Together, let us declare hands off the judiciary and respect the Constitution,” he stated.
He further highlighted the need to modernise Ghana’s justice system, calling for greater digitalisation of court processes and improved access to justice to meet the needs of a growing population.