Former Justice of the Supreme Court, William Atuguba, expressed his concerns about the current state of Ghana’s judicial sector during a public lecture.

He emphasized that the increasing loss of hope among young Ghanaians and Africans in the democratic experiment, as evidenced by their support for military juntas, is a matter of grave concern.

Justice Atuguba attributed much of the disappointment with the democratic experiment to the failure of the judiciary to assert itself by being impartial and independent.

He noted that the political machinations of the executive branch in Ghana have rendered the judiciary a rubber stamp, eroding belief in the country’s justice system.

He called for a realistic audit and restructuring of the judiciary and all other governmental institutions.

This includes ensuring the total independence of bodies responsible for appointing judges and other governance officials, with appointments based solely on merit and not influenced by factors like protocol, cronyism, or ethnicity.

The judiciary should also be insulated against political pressures, and service conditions should be reasonably attractive with security of tenure.

Justice Atuguba further suggested curbing the executive powers of the President and his functionaries, advocating for a real separation of parliament from the executive branch.

He emphasized the need for good and sincere governance, with a focus on the people’s interests rather than electoral conferment of power.

He called on the new vanguards of Ghana’s democratic experiment to remain nationalistic, regardless of the regime in power, and continue their quest for true constitutionalism in the country.