Tsatsu Calls for Independent Judiciary

Mr. Tsatsu Tsikata, former Chief Executive of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation GNPC), has called for the independence of the judiciary, noting that an independent judiciary without influence will serve the interest of the nation and win the confidence of Ghanaians.

Speaking at a public forum organised by the Ethics Foundation, a non-Governmental Organisation, Mr. Tsikata, who recently made history by winning over the Attorney General in two legal suits within a spate of one month, observed that the constitution makes the Supreme Court the defender of the people's sovereignty and as such should act independently without influence.

Continuing, he said Ghana inherited some of its legislative powers from British colonial times where judgement from the president was final and without any objection, but was quick to add that those times have passed since the rights of citizens need to be respected.

According to him, government should not be offended and embarrassed when the Supreme Court does not rule in its favour, adding since the Supreme Court has the mandate to interpret the constitution any decision it makes should as well be respected.

He therefore called on the judiciary and the legislature to rise above partisanship because, according to him, it would bring peaceful resolutions within the state.

"The culture of our politics this day often makes the independence of the judiciary very tough and the country should go beyond this situation to move forward," he stressed, amid claps from curious members of the public who did not hide their admiration of him.

Sounding philosophical, he said he was looking forward to the day the Attorney General would accept the decision of the Supreme Court and agree with plaintiff when a case is decided against him.

Mr Ken Attafuah, of the office of the Commission on Human Right and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), also stressed the need for an independent judiciary, with emphasis on respect for human rights which protection he said has been given to the judiciary.

Commenting on Mr. Tsikata's victory that ruled the Fast Track Court unconstitutional, he said the 5-4 decision by the judges show the independence of the judiciary in Ghana.

He asserted that the judiciary and the courts should not be a place where justice can be bought, saying much need to be done to protect its independence and bemoaned the fact there are people in the judiciary whose actions bring it to disrepute and encourage lawlessness.