Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has called for greater transparency in Ghana’s judicial processes, advocating for “open justice” as a means to uphold democracy and strengthen public trust in the legal system.
Speaking at the Annual Bar Conference in Kumasi on Monday, he stressed the importance of open access to court proceedings and the necessity of a strong, unified Bar to support the nation’s democratic framework.
“Fundamental to democracy and preservation of the rule of law is the organization of free and fair elections,” Mr Dame stated.
He stated that, the Electoral Commission (EC) must fulfil its constitutional duty to provide a credible and fair electoral process, noting that the “centrality of elections to democracy” cannot be understated.
AG Dame quoted former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who once said, “Ghana has thrived under democracy since it was reintroduced [under the Fourth Republic], and our society, as well as our economy, has thrived as a result.”
He stressed that despite Ghana’s progress in democratic governance, the country must not take its achievements for granted. “We must resist the vain efforts of naysayers who constantly sow seeds of doubt about the credibility of Ghanaian elections,” he argued.
Calling for open justice, the Attorney General pointed to recent efforts to enhance public access to the courts.
“Our Judiciary must embrace the concept of open justice by publishing and explaining decisions and by allowing access to the courts – in person and through broadcasts,” Dame said.
He highlighted his role in promoting transparency, stating, “As Attorney-General, I have led in this quest of ensuring open justice in Ghana as a way of dispelling misconceptions, misinterpretations, and misrepresentations of court decisions.”
Godfred Dame acknowledged that the challenges facing Ghana’s electoral system extend beyond the polling day itself.
“An election is a process,” he noted, listing various components including voter registration, boundary demarcation, ballot distribution, and the announcement of results.
He reaffirmed his confidence in the Electoral Commission’s handling of these processes, saying, “So far, I have not noticed anything untoward about the Electoral Commission’s handling of the process.”
The Attorney General also addressed the role of the legal profession in sustaining democracy, urging lawyers to use their platforms responsibly.
He cautioned against the spread of false information by members of the Bar, stating, “The spread of false information by lawyers and disregard for the cherished values of the legal profession, apart from being disreputable, poses a far greater threat to cohesion in society.”
Dame highlighted the vital role of the Judiciary in the democratic process, particularly in adjudicating election-related disputes.
“Judges are often called upon to make decisions on some of the most difficult questions arising from the conduct of elections,” he said, urging support for the Judiciary’s independence and integrity.
As he concluded his speech, Mr Dame made a strong call for unity within the legal profession, stressing the importance of maintaining a “strong Bar Association” and encouraging full participation from all members.
He stated, “A fragmented bar is not in the interests of the Bar itself. Neither is it for society.”
Source: Myjoyonline.com
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