Martin Amidu cautions the GBA against uncritical allegiance to the Chief Justice, calling it “dangerous.”
The Ghana Bar Association’s (GBA) unqualified support of the Chief Justice’s court closures in Bolgatanga has drawn harsh criticism from former Attorney General Martin Amidu.
He called the GBA’s backing “dangerous for our Constitution, democracy, and the rule of law” in a recent article.
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He issued a warning that blind allegiance to the Chief Justice’s administrative rulings could jeopardise the independence of the legal system.
Mr. Amidu said, “The unchecked endorsement of everything the Chief Justice says or does… borders on sycophancy.”
He went on to say that the public should anticipate impartial and open judicial decisions.
Mr. Amidu questioned whether the Chief Justice had acted on his own initiative or in response to “instructions… from the National Security Council” as part of his assessment of the judiciary’s role in national security.
He underlined the necessity of increased openness in decisions that impact the public’s access to justice, particularly in the wake of tensions during the election season.
Amidu objects to CJ closing the courts in the Upper East.
The Chief Justice’s administrative decision to close courts in Bawku and the adjacent areas was publicly condemned by the former Attorney General.
He called the decision to shut down courts, especially in Bolgatanga, the regional seat, “unprecedented” and harmful to individuals’ rights.
In a memo released by the Judicial Secretary, the Chief Justice defended the closures as a precautionary move in light of growing security concerns.
Mr. Amidu, however, called the closure justification “naïve,” pointing out that Bolgatanga has always been immune to Bawku’s intermittent violence.
“The regional capital has never been in the conflict area during the Bawku conflict,” he said.
Just weeks before the national elections, the former AG underlined the possible legal repercussions of suspending court operations, claiming it violates citizens’ right to justice and may interfere with the judicial review of election-related matters.
“The people of Bolgatanga and the surrounding area demand parliamentary oversight of the administrative decision to close the High Court,” he said.
Mr. Amidu also questioned the Chief Justice’s consultations and voiced worry that there was insufficient participation from local legal stakeholders in the closure decision.
