You have security of tenure, nobody can touch you; give judgement based on conscience – Mahama to judges

Former President John Dramani Mahama has told judges in Ghana not to give judgements based on the desire of the political leader who appointed them into office if the judgements are not supposed to go that way.

Mr Mahama said the constitution has given them a security of tenure therefore, they should not be scared of being removed by any political leader.

Speaking at a meeting with the United States Chapter of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) at the Bentley University on Sunday March 27, Mr Mahama said the NDC has problem with the judiciary.

“We do have problems with the judiciary, I must say. I think that it is necessary for some internal reforms to take place there. It is necessary for the Chief Justice or whoever is responsible to make some reforms.

“Most of the governance institutions have been politicized. I give the example of the judiciary. It is only in Ghana that a Supreme Court will make a decision that a birth certificate is not proof of citizenship.

“There are many such funny judgements that have been given. I remember at one time, our colleague Professor Raymond Atuguba said that from a research he had done, judges turn to give their judgements in favour of the political party or leader that appointed them.

“He was subjected to such a whirlwind of indignation by the judiciary but if you bring it down to what is happening today, and you look at it and see who appointed who, you will find that there was some truth in the research.

“The thing is, our constitution gives security of tenure to judges. Once you have been appointed you cannot be removed. That is why we give security of tenure so that you will have the courage no matter who appointed you to give judgement according to your conscience. That is what our judges should do. They must rise up to the occasion.”

Source: 3news.com|Ghana