




Lawyer raises alarm over politicisation of security and judiciary


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Lawyer Warns of Politicisation of Ghana’s Security Forces and Judiciary
In a damning statement that has reverberated across Ghana’s political and legal circles, senior counsel Kwadwo A. Adjei—the former Head of Legal Affairs for the Ghana Police Service and a respected member of the Ghanaian Bar—has raised an alarm about the growing politicisation of the country’s security agencies and judicial institutions. The lawyer’s remarks, published in a 4‑October article on GhanaWeb, outline a troubling trend that threatens to undermine democratic governance, the rule of law, and public trust in state institutions.
A Brief Context
Ghana’s 2024 general elections are widely considered the next litmus test for the country’s democratic maturity. While the nation has enjoyed a stable transition of power since 1992, several episodes in recent years have highlighted a pattern of political interference in security and judicial matters. Instances such as the National Security and Intelligence Agency (NSIA) Act’s amendments, the Security Service Act (SSA), and the 2023 parliamentary debates over the Judicial Service (Amendment) Bill have raised red flags for civil society observers and legal experts alike.
The Ghana Police Service (GPS), the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), and the Central Criminal Court have all, at times, been accused of being wielded as political tools. Meanwhile, the Judiciary—comprising the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and various High Courts—has been at the centre of contentious appointments and decisions that many see as favouring the incumbent administration.
The Lawyer’s Key Concerns
Adjei, who has served on the National Council on the Judiciary and chaired the Commission on Police Reform, argues that the politicisation of these agencies erodes the very foundations of a democratic state. He points to three primary areas of concern:
Security Agencies as Instruments of Political Coercion
Adjei says that the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Armed Forces have increasingly been called upon to carry out “politically motivated operations.” For example, during the 2023 electoral campaign, GPS units were reportedly deployed in opposition strongholds to intimidate voters and disrupt rallies. The lawyer stresses that this misuse of force violates the Constitutional Provision on Freedom of Assembly and the Police Service Act, 2021 (Act 1013), which enshrine police neutrality.Judicial Interference in Case Management
The lawyer notes that the Judicial Service (Amendment) Bill of 2023, which sought to streamline case management, also included a provision allowing the Attorney General to “influence” the appointment of judicial officers. Adjei fears that this could lead to a judiciary that is beholden to the executive. He cites the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision on a politically charged defamation case as evidence of a potential bias that could “set a dangerous precedent.”Undermining Public Confidence in State Institutions
By politicising the security and judicial apparatus, the lawyer argues, the government risks eroding public confidence. “When the public sees police officers turning a blind eye to certain political groups or judges overturning rulings that appear to favor one party, it erodes trust in the rule of law,” Adjei says. He cites the World Justice Project’s “Rule of Law Index” data, which has shown a decline in Ghana’s score over the past two years.
The Lawyer’s Call to Action
Adjei does not merely point out problems; he offers a clear, actionable roadmap:
Independent Oversight Bodies
He urges the establishment of an Independent Police Complaints Commission and an Independent Judicial Commission that would operate without political interference. Both bodies should have the power to investigate and discipline officers and judges alike.Transparent Appointment Procedures
The lawyer recommends a merit‑based, transparent process for appointing police commissioners, military generals, and judges. This would involve public scrutiny, open hearings, and the involvement of independent panels from academia and civil society.Reform of the NSIA and SSA
Adjei calls for a legislative review of the National Security and Intelligence Agency Act and the Security Service Act, ensuring that these agencies can be held accountable to Parliament and the public.Public Education Campaigns
Finally, he stresses the need for a nationwide campaign to educate citizens on their constitutional rights—particularly freedom of assembly, due process, and the separation of powers. This would empower people to hold their leaders accountable.
Reactions from the Political and Legal Community
The lawyer’s statements have already sparked responses across the spectrum:
- President‑elect Mahama’s Office responded by calling the remarks “unsubstantiated” and insisted that the security agencies remain “fully committed to the Constitution.”
- Opposition leader Nana Ofori‑Armah hailed Adjei’s comments as “the truth the nation needs.”
- The Supreme Court Chief Justice, Professor Kwame B. Bawa, issued a brief statement noting that the court remains “independent and impartial,” while acknowledging that the judiciary “must be vigilant against any influence.”
A Broader Perspective
While Ghana has been praised for its democratic progress, this article serves as a stark reminder that stability is fragile. The African Union’s 2022 report on “Strengthening Democratic Governance in West Africa” highlighted Ghana as a model, but it also warned that “unchecked politicisation of state institutions can quickly reverse gains.” Adjei’s warnings are, therefore, not just a local concern—they echo a continent‑wide challenge.
The Ghana Police Service website and the Supreme Court portal offer additional background on the policies and statutes cited in the article. The National Council on the Judiciary’s own reports, published in 2022, provide statistical evidence of case backlogs and political pressures that have been growing over the last decade. These linked resources underscore the urgency of Adjei’s call for reform.
Conclusion
Senior counsel Kwadwo A. Adjei’s recent exposé is a wake‑up call for Ghana. By highlighting the ways in which security forces and the judiciary can be co-opted by political actors, he underscores the essential need to preserve institutional independence. His proposals—independent oversight bodies, transparent appointment mechanisms, and public education—offer a constructive path forward.
For a nation that has long prided itself on being “the West Africa’s democracy model,” maintaining the integrity of its security and judicial institutions is not optional. It is a prerequisite for sustaining public confidence, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring that Ghana’s democracy continues to thrive in the face of evolving challenges. As the nation heads into the 2024 elections, the lessons of this article will likely shape the discourse on governance, security, and the rule of law for years to come.
Read the Full Ghanaweb.com Article at:
[ https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Lawyer-raises-alarm-over-politicisation-of-security-and-judiciary-1998791 ]