Dec. 7 polls: Remain impartial in electoral disputes – AG urges judges, magistrates

The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has urged the judiciary to maintain impartiality in the lead-up to the December 7 general elections.

Addressing the Annual Conference of the Association of Magistrates and Judges of on Wednesday, 2 October 2024, at La Beach, Mr. Dame stressed the critical role judges play in ensuring justice is administered fairly, especially during such a pivotal time for the nation.

He emphasised that the judiciary must handle all cases—whether political, criminal, or civil—without bias, underscoring the importance of impartiality in upholding the rule of law.

“Vested with the power to adjudicate on disputes between the state and its organs, state and individuals and businesses, individuals and individuals or businesses, the Judiciary is required to be an impartial arbiter,” Mr. Dame remarked.

He reiterated that justice must be applied equally, regardless of social status, and cautioned against allowing any form of wrongdoing to go unpunished.

“There is the need to ensure that crime or wrongdoing does not go unpunished for any class of society, privileged or underprivileged. In this regard, judges must understand that they work in the overall interests of the State only,” he added.

As the nation gears up for the December polls, the Attorney-General called on judges to remain steadfast and ensure their rulings are based solely on legal grounds, devoid of emotional or public influence.

“It is even more important for the Judiciary to demonstrate that justice is dispensed according to law and not emotions, popular opinion, or public sentiments,” he noted.

Mr. Dame further advised the judiciary to disregard social commentary and focus on upholding the law, warning that their decisions must not be swayed by external pressures.

“The Judiciary ought to be impervious to any consideration other than law, including social commentary,” he added.