“We are demonstrating for the right thing to be done” – Hon. Anthony Mmieh on ‘Save the Judiciary’ protests
Honorable Anthony Mmieh, speaking on Kessben’s Maakye show, said the ‘Save the Judiciary’ protest is a call for the right thing to be done.
He explained that it’s not only the Minority that is unhappy with how the judiciary is being treated. Many respected bodies and groups have also raised concerns. “Several bodies and agencies have condemned it also. This includes the Ghana Bar Association, the organised labour union, other political parties, and even some religious leaders,” he said.
Hon. Mieh stressed that the judiciary must work without fear or favour, and not be controlled by any other arm of government. “The work of the judiciary is such that they have to be independent, and not to be biased in their dealings due to coercion or control from other arms of government,” he said. He added that the constitution protects the independence of the judiciary and even makes sure their budget cannot be tampered with.
He warned that the current trend could weaken the country’s democracy and damage its international image. “With the way things are playing out, it is our democracy that is being destroyed and that will affect the nation negatively. The whole world is watching and we don’t expect foreign investors to come into the nation, knowing that our judicial system is not strong enough to protect foreigners,” he said.
Hon. Mieh said that many Ghanaians are uncomfortable with how the government has handled matters involving the Chief Justice. He explained that it appears to follow some campaign promises made by the President and other NDC leaders before the 2024 elections.
He said former President Mahama had openly stated that the NDC needed to win power to make changes in the judiciary and bring in their own people. Hon. Mieh described this as a sign of misplaced priorities. According to him, there are so many important issues in the nation, ranging from the illegal mining canker to bad roads, that need urgent attention. They are destroying the nation’s natural resources and need more attention than what the government has decided to focus on.
The ‘Save the Judiciary’ protest in Accra, led by the NPP and other concerned groups, is a response to the recent suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. Protestors believe this move threatens the independence of the judiciary and sets a dangerous example of political interference. Many civil society groups and legal experts have also raised concerns, warning that it could damage public trust in the justice system. The demonstration is a call to protect Ghana’s democracy and the fairness of its institutions.
By: Julia Adu-Mensah
