Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo has called for urgent constitutional reforms to safeguard judicial independence in Ghana.
Appearing before the Constitutional Review Committee in Accra on April 30, she criticized Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, arguing that it grants excessive influence to the executive in the removal process of a sitting Chief Justice.
Currently, a five-member committee appointed by the President, acting on the advice of the Council of State, investigates petitions against the Chief Justice.
Justice Akuffo described this system as opaque and lacking accountability, noting that decisions are final, made in secret, and provide no avenue for appeal.
“There must be a provision for appeal and an independent body rather than a presidentially appointed committee should be tasked with investigating such cases,” she emphasized.
She urged Ghana to explore alternatives like Kenya’s Judicial Service Commission, which she praised for its independence and diverse representation, free from executive control.
