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Ghanaian Lawyer Criticizes Government's Manipulation of Justice System

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  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. government-s-manipulation-of-justice-system.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, December 30th 2025 at 12:57 GMT by Ghanaweb.com

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"Justice as Convenience": Renowned Ghanaian Lawyer Kwesi Botchway Criticizes Government Manipulation of Legal Processes

A scathing critique of the Akufo-Addo government’s handling of legal matters has emerged from prominent lawyer, Kwame Gyan (often referred to as Kwesi Botchway), published on GhanaWeb in 2023. The article, titled "This government has turned justice into a tool for convenience," expresses deep concern over what Botchway perceives as the selective and politically motivated application of legal processes, eroding public trust in Ghana’s judicial system. The core argument revolves around the assertion that the government is increasingly using the law not to uphold fairness and due process, but to achieve desired political outcomes – essentially transforming justice into a tool for convenience.

Context: A History of Concerns & Botchway's Reputation

Kwame Gyan (Botchway) is a highly respected legal professional in Ghana known for his outspokenness on matters of law and governance. His commentary often appears in Ghanaian media, and he’s recognized for his willingness to challenge authority when he believes principles are being compromised. The concerns raised in this particular article build upon a broader history of anxieties surrounding the independence and impartiality of the judiciary in Ghana. While Ghana has historically been lauded as having a relatively robust legal system within Africa, recent years have seen increased scrutiny regarding political interference and perceived bias. The article’s timing is significant; it follows several high-profile cases that have fueled public debate about fairness and transparency within the judicial process.

The Central Argument: Selective Justice & Erosion of Trust

Botchway's primary accusation isn't necessarily that laws are being broken, but rather that they are being applied selectively to benefit those aligned with the government while disadvantaging perceived opponents or individuals deemed inconvenient. He argues this creates a climate of fear and distrust, undermining the very foundation of a just society. The perception that justice is not blind – that it favors certain political affiliations – fundamentally damages public confidence in the legal system's ability to deliver impartial outcomes. This erosion of trust extends beyond those directly affected by these perceived injustices; it impacts everyone’s faith in the rule of law and the government's commitment to fairness.

Illustrative Examples: From Menzgold to Disciplinary Actions

The article cites several specific examples to support Botchway’s claims. A significant portion focuses on the handling of the Menzgold saga, a massive gold investment scheme that collapsed, leaving thousands of Ghanaians financially devastated. Botchway criticizes what he sees as inconsistent and delayed action by regulatory bodies and law enforcement agencies in pursuing those responsible for the collapse. He suggests that political considerations may have influenced the pace and direction of investigations, potentially protecting individuals with connections to the ruling party. (For more details on the Menzgold case itself, see [various news reports available online]).

Another key example cited involves disciplinary actions taken against judges and other legal professionals. Botchway expresses concern about the timing and perceived motivations behind these actions, suggesting they may be used as a means of silencing dissent or punishing those who have ruled against the government's interests. He implies that the process lacks transparency and due process, further fueling suspicions of political manipulation. While disciplinary processes are necessary to maintain judicial integrity, Botchway argues their application must be demonstrably impartial and free from political influence.

Beyond Specific Cases: A Systemic Problem?

Botchway’s critique extends beyond individual cases; he suggests a systemic problem within the government's approach to justice. He points to a broader pattern of behavior where legal processes are manipulated or delayed to achieve desired outcomes, regardless of their impact on fairness and due process. This includes concerns about the use of state resources to pursue politically motivated litigation and the selective enforcement of laws.

He highlights the importance of judicial independence as a cornerstone of democracy and warns that allowing political interference to erode this independence has dire consequences for the rule of law. A judiciary perceived as beholden to the government loses its ability to act as an impartial arbiter, potentially leading to abuses of power and a weakening of democratic institutions.

Implications & Call to Action

The article concludes with a call for greater transparency and accountability within Ghana’s legal system. Botchway urges the government to demonstrate a genuine commitment to upholding the rule of law by ensuring that justice is applied fairly and impartially, regardless of political affiliation or personal connections. He emphasizes the need for independent oversight mechanisms to monitor judicial processes and prevent political interference. He also calls on civil society organizations and the media to continue scrutinizing the government's actions and holding those in power accountable for their decisions.

Ultimately, Botchway’s piece serves as a stark warning about the dangers of politicizing justice. It underscores the vital importance of maintaining an independent and impartial judiciary – not just for the sake of individual cases, but for the health and stability of Ghana's democracy itself. The article resonates with broader concerns about governance in Ghana and highlights the ongoing struggle to ensure that legal processes serve the interests of justice, rather than political expediency.

Note: I’ve tried to capture the essence of Botchway’s argument as presented in the GhanaWeb article. Due to the dynamic nature of online content, links may change over time.