Private legal practitioner and policy analyst, Austin Kwabena Brako-Powers, has outlined three critical issues the new Chief Justice must urgently address to restore public confidence and strengthen the independence of Ghana’s judiciary.
According to him, the new Chief Justice faces an uphill task in resolving what he described as “institutional crises” within the judiciary—challenges that, if ignored, could continue to erode judicial independence and influence the conduct of judges nationwide.
Reacting to the vetting of Chief Justice nominee Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie on November 11, 2025, Brako-Powers noted that both the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the United States Department of State have, in recent reports, raised troubling concerns about Ghana’s judicial system.
The IMF, in particular, cited issues related to the independence and impartiality of judges, including their protection from political or external interference.
“These are not minor concerns,” Brako-Powers stressed.
“When global institutions begin to question the independence of your judiciary, it means the very foundation of your democracy is shaking.”
He urged the new Chief Justice to act decisively to “wean the judiciary off the apron strings of the government,” arguing that true judicial independence cannot exist where the executive continues to exert subtle or overt influence over the courts.
Brako-Powers warned that the perceived closeness between the judiciary and political actors has deeply eroded public trust, with many Ghanaians now questioning whether justice in the country is dispensed without fear or favour.
He alleged that “many judges are now afraid to take bold decisions” because of how the former Chief Justice was treated by the current administration—an episode he said has sent “a chilling message” throughout the judicial hierarchy.“
The new Chief Justice must rebuild confidence among judges,” he added.
“He must assure them that they will be protected when they act fairly and fearlessly, even when their rulings go against powerful interests.
”As a first step, Brako-Powers recommended that the new Chief Justice convene an all-judges meeting soon after assuming office to “set the tone for a new era of transparency, fairness, and impartiality.”
Such a meeting, he explained, would offer a crucial opportunity to openly discuss the fears and concerns of judges, reaffirm their commitment to the Constitution, and assure them of impartial and courageous leadership.
Beyond the judiciary, Brako-Powers called on the Ghana Bar Association and other key legal stakeholders to rally behind the new Chief Justice in championing reforms aimed at depoliticising judicial appointments and strengthening internal accountability systems.
“The credibility of our courts is the credibility of our nation,” he concluded.
“If the judiciary loses its independence, then Ghana’s entire democratic experiment is at risk. This is the moment for strong, courageous leadership.”
