Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo has called for an overhaul of the process by which Ghana’s Chief Justice is appointed, advocating for the creation of an independent committee to ensure a transparent and merit-based system.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on January 7, 2024, Justice Akuffo criticised the current system, highlighting its flaws and the risks of partisanship influencing judicial appointments. She rejected the notion that changes in political leadership should determine the appointment of the Chief Justice, describing such an approach as “simplistic.”

Akuffo stressed the importance of adhering to the Constitution and ensuring the judicial appointment process is effective. “What is wrong in the Constitution is the process by which the judiciary is appointed, or, for that matter, the Chief Justice is appointed,” she explained.

She proposed an independent commission to handle nominations and selections, which would enhance public trust and eliminate political influence. “The public will feel more comfortable if there was some form of independent appointment commission,” she said, adding that it should ensure clear qualifications and criteria for potential candidates.

Referencing the UK’s Judicial Appointments Commission as a model, Akuffo pointed out that such a system would focus on merit over political patronage. “In the UK, there is a commission. It’s an endeavour to ensure that it’s more merit-based than largesse or a gift,” she noted.

Akuffo acknowledged the challenges of determining the commission’s membership but suggested that civil society and other respected groups could play a role. “So long as it is not at the direct whim of the presidency, people will feel more comfortable,” she said.

Her comments align with longstanding calls within the Commonwealth for reforms to strengthen judicial independence and ensure the judiciary remains impartial in both decision-making and leadership selection.

Source:TheDotNews