One issue that has stirred much controversy and public discourse recently was the statement made by the National Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) party, Dr. Kwabena Adjei, to the effect that his party will be forced to cleanse the judiciary, for reasons that the judiciary has set its mind towards one direction.
Dr. Adjei’s categorical statement, indeed, has caused much apprehension within the judiciary arm of government.
To compound matters, a presidential aide to President John Evans Atta Mills, Nii Lantey Vanderpuije, sought to create the impression that the president was in support of his party chairman.
Indeed Nii Lantey Vanderpuije’s remarks contradicted the official position of the president who after touching down last Monday at the Kotoka International Airport made it clear that his administration will not interfere in the affairs of the judiciary.
The president further gave the assurance that his administration will ensure that the judiciary is independent to allow it to dispense justice fairly and firmly without fear or favour. The president’s assurance reflects the spirit and letter of our 1992 Constitution. Our Constitution clearly defines the roles and functions of the various arms of government and the need for checks and balances.
For us at Today, we are happy that the president has come out strongly with a statement that his government would do nothing untoward against the judiciary. We hope the president’s statement would embolden our judges to, once again, go about their duties of justice delivery.
In our estimation, President Mills have said it all and that should put an end to the controversy whether his administration was going to embark on a house cleaning of the judiciary against the backdrop of what his chairman recently said at a press conference at the NDC headquarters at Kokomlemle in Accra.
Against that background, Today seizes the opportunity to caution, especially politicians in this country, who sometimes make very unguarded statements, which can derail our democratic dispensation. Our politicians need to understand that they cannot hold this country to ransom by their reckless statements.
We must all be mindful that politics is not about show of power, but a contest of ideas that must help move Ghana forward and improve the lot of Ghanaians. Mr. President Today applauds you for assuring Ghanaians that your government will continue to respect and strengthen the independence of the judiciary.