'The judiciary must never be dragged into partisan politics'- Jerry Ahmed

Deputy Minority Whip in Parliament, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, has called for a renewed commitment to judicial independence, stressing that the courts must remain impartial arbiters in Ghana’s democratic journey.

Speaking at the launch of the 150th anniversary celebrations of the Supreme Court of Ghana on April 16, 2026, he described the country's legal history as a collective journey shaped by sacrifice, progress, and a shared pursuit of justice and order.

“Our nation’s legal journey has been one of collective effort. One generation after another has contributed its own chapter, some marked by sacrifice, others by triumph, but all woven together in pursuit of justice and order,” he said.

Jerry Ahmed noted that the anniversary offered an opportunity not only to reflect on the past but also to assess the present and chart a clearer path for the future of Ghana’s justice system.

“As we celebrate the present, let us also say that the court's independence is paramount. The judiciary must never be dragged into partisan politics. Its strength lies in mutuality.

"The judiciary's strength lies in mutuality, in its ability to interpret the law without fear or favour. When the court stands above political interference and exercises its authority with restraint and fidelity to due process, it preserves its integrity and ensures that justice continues to anchor our democracy," he remarked.

According to him, over the past 150 years, the Supreme Court has served as the “guardian of the Constitution and the defender of our freedoms,” underscoring its central role in strengthening democracy.

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He also paid tribute to the country’s founding figures, praising their efforts in laying the foundation of justice and democratic governance.

“We honour the vision of our founding fathers. Their courage reminds us that democracy is never handed down.

“It is earned, protected, and preserved. We cannot forget the landmark decisions that shaped our democracy. These decisions strengthen the rule of law and remind us that justice in Ghana is not for the privileged few,” he remarked.

Ahmed Shaib further emphasised that justice must remain accessible to all citizens, not a privilege for a select few but a right guaranteed under the law.

He stressed the importance of maintaining an independent judiciary, warning against political interference in judicial processes.

“The court must remain an impartial arbiter of our collective destiny. The judiciary must never be dragged into partisan politics.

“When the court stands above political interference and exercises its authority with restraint and fidelity to due process, it preserves its integrity and ensures that justice continues to anchor our democracy,” Jerry Ahmed noted.

He urged respect for the Constitution and collective support for the independence of the judiciary.

JKB/BAI