By:Kenneth Appiah Bani
In the wake of renewed national debate on the role and integrity of Ghana’s judiciary, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, a leading member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former spokesperson for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s 2024 presidential campaign, has raised strong concerns over President John Dramani Mahama’s recent posture and involvement in the “Save the Judiciary” demonstration.
The protest, organized by opposition voices and civil society allies, sought to draw attention to perceived injustices and alleged political bias within the judiciary. President Mahama, who lent his support to the demonstration, described the judiciary as an institution in need of urgent reform to restore public trust and uphold democratic principles.
However, Dennis Aboagye criticized the President’s approach, describing it as deeply troubling and potentially harmful to Ghana’s democratic fabric. According to Aboagye, “President Mahama’s actions set a dangerous precedent that could encourage future governments to interfere with or delegitimize state institutions when outcomes do not favour them.”
He argued that the President, having resumed office through a democratic process, should be the first to uphold and protect the independence of the judiciary, not lead efforts that appear to weaken its authority. “When a sitting President joins calls that question the credibility of the judiciary in such a public and political manner, it chips away at the integrity of the entire justice system,” he said.
Aboagye stressed that while reforms and constructive criticism are essential in any democratic society, they must be pursued through constitutional channels and institutional dialogue. “What we are witnessing now is a trend that, if left unchecked, could embolden future leaders to bypass legal boundaries in the name of political interest,” he added.
Legal analysts and political observers remain divided on the issue. Some view the President’s support for the demonstration as a bold move to confront long-standing concerns in the judiciary. Others, however, share Aboagye’s fears that such actions risk politicizing the justice system and undermining judicial independence.
While the judiciary has yet to officially respond to the demonstration or the President’s remarks, the issue continues to stir public debate about the balance between political accountability and institutional respect.
As President Mahama begins his second tenure, calls for unity and institutional strengthening are mounting, with voices like Dennis Aboagye urging the President to lead by example in safeguarding Ghana’s democratic institutions.
Video credit: GHONE TV.
