As Ghana’s general elections on December 7 draw near, the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has issued a strong appeal for the judiciary to uphold its integrity and fairness in resolving electoral disputes.
The call came from the president of the conference, Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, who underscored the critical role that the judiciary plays in safeguarding democracy, particularly amid the intense political climate and potential for legal challenges during elections.
This appeal is especially relevant in light of recent electoral conflicts that have tested the judicial system’s impartiality.
The 2012 presidential race saw then-opposition leader Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo challenge the results, alleging irregularities and seeking to overturn John Dramani Mahama’s victory. The Supreme Court ultimately upheld Mahama’s win, a significant moment for judicial credibility.
In 2020, the situation reversed with Mahama contesting Akufo-Addo’s re-election, again alleging malpractice. The judiciary was once more called upon to adjudicate these claims.
Most Rev. Gyamfi stressed the importance of the judiciary maintaining the highest standards of integrity and adherence to the rule of law in future disputes.
He highlighted that public confidence in the judiciary is crucial, particularly during times of electoral uncertainty, as court decisions have profound implications for national peace, stability, and the country’s future.
“We appeal to the judiciary to continue upholding justice with fairness and impartiality. In the event of electoral disputes, we trust that the judiciary will address them with the utmost integrity and adherence to the rule of law. The judiciary’s role in maintaining public confidence in the electoral process cannot be overstated.”