Actions of some judges risk denting judiciary independence - Godfred Dame

Former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame has expressed worry over what he describes as troubling conduct by some members of the judiciary, warning that their actions could weaken public trust in the justice system.

According to him, certain judicial officials appear to be complicit in decisions that may infringe on the rights of individuals, particularly those affiliated with the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).

He suggested that recent rulings and actions raise concerns about fairness and neutrality within the courts.

Dame pointed to incidents involving the arrest, detention, and denial of bail to some NPP members as examples that, in his view, cast doubt on the independence of the judiciary.

He argued that such developments create the impression that the legal system may be influenced by political considerations.

Speaking at the Leadership and Law Series organised by the Law Students Network on April 19, 2026, he cautioned that these trends, if left unchecked, could damage the reputation of the judiciary and erode confidence in its ability to deliver impartial justice.

“Some members of the judiciary have also, sad to say, become willing enablers of these violations with unjustified detentions of opponents of the ruling party.

“The denial of bail to members of the NPP and frivolous prosecution of a few for expression of views on matters of public interest cast a slur on the integrity and independence of the judiciary,” he said.

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He also criticised what he described as increasing attempts to stifle freedom of expression, particularly in relation to public commentary on sensitive national issues. He referenced recent arrests linked to discussions around LGBTQ matters, where individuals allegedly shared satirical or critical content.

“The most absurd effort to suppress free expression was witnessed in the baseless arrest, prosecution, and denial of bail to some members of the NPP recently for expression of their views on the LGBTQ matter through the circulation of materials in the form of caricature of some members of the John Mahama administration,” he said.

Meanwhile, a communications officer of the NPP, Baba Amando, who had earlier been remanded, has since been granted bail in connection with allegations including offensive conduct, false publication, and the dissemination of material deemed likely to cause fear and panic.

He is accused of sharing derogatory images of the President and some members of the current administration on social media, which authorities say contributed to the charges brought against him.

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