Dennis Miracles Aboagye, an aspiring National Communications Officer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has defended the party’s planned nationwide demonstration, arguing that it is a response to growing public concern over the perceived independence of Ghana’s judiciary.
Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on Wednesday ahead of Thursday’s “Democracy Under Attack” protest, Mr Aboagye alleged that the judiciary had become increasingly aligned with the Executive, a development he said was undermining public confidence in the country’s justice system.
According to him, the demonstration is intended to highlight what the NPP believes is the selective application of justice and the need to safeguard the separation of powers.
Mr Aboagye claimed that concerns about the judiciary extend beyond isolated court cases and reflect a broader perception that the institution is no longer maintaining sufficient independence from the political leadership.
He disclosed that about a month ago he formally wrote to the Chief Justice to express his concerns over what he described as the judiciary’s growing closeness to the Executive.
In the letter, he said he outlined what he believed was an increasingly visible relationship between the two arms of government and warned that such perceptions could weaken public trust in the administration of justice.
Although he did not receive a personal response from the Chief Justice, Mr Aboagye said the Judicial Secretary subsequently issued a statement addressing some of the issues he had raised.
While acknowledging the clarification, he maintained that his concerns remain unresolved.
He argued that the judiciary must remain completely independent of partisan politics to preserve public confidence in the legal system.
“I am of the view that we need to keep our judiciary very far away from our politics,” he said, adding that comparisons with previous administrations do not diminish his present concerns as a citizen.
Mr Aboagye said the planned protest would provide an opportunity for supporters to express what they believe is an unhealthy relationship between the Judiciary and the Executive.
He further argued that the perceived proximity between judges and government officials creates unease among some citizens, particularly those who openly criticise the government.
According to him, such perceptions raise questions about whether individuals who disagree with those in authority can expect impartial treatment if they become involved in legal proceedings.
Mr Aboagye also accused the justice system of selectively handling criminal cases during the legal vacation, arguing that while numerous criminal and civil cases remain pending, only certain matters have been prioritised.
He described that approach as an example of selective justice and said it contributes to public concerns about fairness in the judicial process.
The NPP’s planned demonstration comes against the backdrop of heightened political debate over the handling of high-profile prosecutions and the independence of Ghana’s judiciary.
Party leaders say the protest is intended to advocate for equal treatment before the law, protect judicial independence and reinforce public confidence in Ghana’s democratic institutions.
