Renowned Ghanaian lawyer Tsatsu Tsikata has raised serious concerns about public perceptions that Ghana’s judiciary may be increasingly influenced by the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
In a recent interview with GHOne TV, Tsikata warned that if unchecked, these perceptions could harm Ghana’s democracy and undermine confidence in its legal institutions.
Tsikata’s remarks come in response to the latest Mo Ibrahim Index on African Governance, which shows Ghana’s judicial independence has declined from 100 percent to 50 percent over the past seven years.
He noted that such a steep decline reflects a troubling trend and raises questions about the judiciary’s autonomy and integrity.
“The judiciary represents the backbone of justice in any democratic nation, and when its impartiality is questioned, the entire legal profession is impacted,” Tsikata explained.
He shared concerns over how everyday citizens often refer to the judiciary as a “unanimous football club,” hinting at a pattern of decisions perceived to favour the NPP.
Tsikata warned that such sentiments, while sometimes expressed humorously, point to a deeper issue of mistrust that, if left unaddressed, could erode confidence in the judiciary’s role as an impartial institution. “This perception of bias is dangerous,” he emphasized. “It risks undermining the very foundation of our justice system.”
As Ghana prepares for its 2024 general elections, Tsikata urged leaders within the judiciary and policymakers to prioritise restoring public trust.
He called for reforms that could reinforce judicial independence, ensuring that the judiciary remains an impartial and credible arm of government.