President Nana Akufo-Addo has strongly criticized former President John Mahama for his allegations that the judiciary has been stacked with judges aligned to the NPP (New Patriotic Party).
Addressing the Ghana Bar Conference at the University of Cape Coast on Monday, September 12, President Akufo-Addo condemned Mr. Mahama's comments as dangerous to the nation's progress, especially coming from a figure of his stature.
The President characterized Mr. Mahama's remarks as the most severe attack the Ghanaian Judiciary has ever faced in its history and called on the public to denounce such "reckless" statements that undermine the independence of the judiciary.
"I have delved into this matter extensively because of a recent development in our public discourse, brought about by none other than the former President of the fourth republic and perennial NDC Presidential Candidate, John Mahama. He has publicly alleged that I have filled the courts with judges sympathetic to the NPP and that a potential NDC victory in 2024 would be used to restore a balance with 'NDC judges.'"
"These concepts are not only new to our public discourse but are also highly perilous, representing a blatant attack on the judiciary's independence by purportedly responsible politicians," President Akufo-Addo stated.
At the NDC Lawyers Conference in Akosombo on Saturday, September 2, the 2024 NDC presidential candidate accused President Akufo-Addo of appointing party members to the bench with the intention of influencing favorable decisions.
Mr. Mahama urged NDC lawyers to consider taking positions on the bench to counterbalance its composition.
"Some of you must be prepared to go onto the bench. I understand that some of you have thriving legal practices and may be reluctant to leave but look at what the current President has done; he has appointed a significant number of judges to the bench, exceeding 80 and counting. They have stacked the court because they want to evade accountability after leaving office."
"They have elevated individuals known for their partisan affiliations, who have held positions in their party, within the legal profession, and placed them on the Superior courts and other positions," Mr. Mahama asserted.
President Akufo-Addo and other critics have condemned Mr. Mahama's allegations as dangerous and inappropriate, emphasizing the need for responsible political discourse and respect for the judiciary's independence.