NPP communicator defends call for Chief Justice’s resignation over partisan comments
Jacob Asomadawine says the Chief Justice must maintain political neutrality and exercise restraint in public comments to protect confidence in Ghana’s judiciary.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Communications Director for the Navrongo Central Constituency, Jacob Asomadawine, has defended the party’s call for Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie to withdraw comments it considers partisan or resign from office.
Speaking on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Monday, September 7, Asomadawine argued that the Chief Justice, as head of Ghana’s judiciary, must maintain political neutrality and exercise restraint in his public comments.
He took particular exception to comments attributed to the Chief Justice suggesting that the performance of some state institutions under the current administration had made him question what had been done over the past 80 years, as well as his call for Ghanaians to support the government to succeed.
According to Asomadawine, such statements could raise questions about the Chief Justice’s impartiality, particularly in cases where former government officials may appear before him.
He acknowledged that judges are citizens with the right to express themselves but maintained that their positions require a higher degree of restraint because their public pronouncements could affect public confidence in the judiciary.
“As a judge, you have sold off your freedom,” he stated.
Asomadawine also challenged suggestions that the current administration was the first to achieve significant gains in certain state institutions, arguing that previous governments had also recorded notable achievements and profits.
He maintained that publicly comparing the performance of successive governments and highlighting the achievements of one administration could make the Chief Justice’s comments appear political.
“Once you cross the line to now say that what you have done has never happened, that is politics,” he said.
The NPP communicator further criticised the Chief Justice’s participation in social events involving government officials, arguing that judges should maintain a degree of distance from politicians and political actors to protect the integrity and independence of the judiciary.
He urged the Chief Justice to focus more attention on challenges confronting the justice system, including inadequate numbers of magistrates and alleged violations of citizens’ rights.
Asomadawine stressed that his comments were not intended to undermine the judiciary but were aimed at encouraging the Chief Justice to protect the credibility of the institution and leave behind a legacy that strengthens public confidence in the judicial system.
“I want him to leave a legacy,” he said.
Mike 105.3FM I Navrongo | Elizabeth Apusaama
