Sheikh Abubakar Ahmed Kamaldeen, the National Imam of Shia, has slammed both the New patriotic Party (NPP) and now the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) for their constant manipulation of the judiciary.
He noted that Ghana’s judiciary is in a bad shape because of the manipulation of the political parties.
Sheikh Abubakar Ahmed Kamaldeen slammed the NDC and John Mahama, who were advocating for a cap in the appointment of Justices for the Supreme Court in opposition, but now doing the opposite in government.
Speaking at the Islamic National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving in Accra, Sheikh Kamaldeen cried out, “Our judiciary is in a bad shape because of the manipulation of the political parties”.
He continued, “Barely one year ago, the NDC was advocating for a cap in the appointment of Justices for the Supreme Court, only for our President to appoint seven of them just recently.”
”As a result, many people don’t have confidence in the Judiciary because of the manipulation of the political parties.
Change the attitude of first, the executive to leave the judiciary alone. They must be independent, and they must be allowed to do their work without interference from the executives and the political parties”, he added.
His comment follows, Parliament approving all seven Supreme Court nominees appointed by President John Dramani Mahama.
The approval follows despite strong resistance from the minority caucus.
There was a heated debate and a decisive voice vote, with the NDC Majority side of the House carrying the day after the Appointments Committee presented its final report.
According to the minority, the appointments were inconsistent with the recent suspension of the Chief Justice and raised constitutional concerns.
The minority further accused the Supreme Court of abandoning its responsibility by remaining silent.
The NPP minority asserted that their objections were not adequately captured in the committee’s report and affirmed their disapproval of all seven Judges.
The minority stated, “All Minority members opposed and voted against the nomination of the seven judges. Mr. Speaker, based on the meeting we had this afternoon, the recording of the meeting will indicate that everybody on the Minority side said no.”
However, the Majority endorsement ensured the nominees’ approval of
Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei
Justice Gbiel Simon Suurbaareh
Justice Senyo Dzamefe
Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackaah-Boafo
Justice Philip Bright Mensah
Justice Janapare Bartels-Kodwo
Justice Hafisata Amaleboba
The seven judges now await their swearing-in by President John Mahama.
