Ghana’s Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has called on the country’s legal and professional bodies to stand firm in protecting the independence of Ghana’s judicial system.
He urged them to resist efforts to bring in external actors—whether foreign governments, organizations, or interest groups—into matters that concern the country’s judicial and constitutional affairs.
“These are issues that must be handled within our own legal framework, by Ghanaians who understand our context, our history, and our Constitution,” Dr. Ayine said.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining the sovereignty and integrity of Ghana’s justice system, warning that involving outsiders could undermine public trust and compromise the country’s legal independence.
“Our laws, our courts, and our Constitution are capable of resolving our disputes. We must be confident in our institutions and defend their authority,” he added.
Speaking at the Ghana Bar Association’s Annual Conference in Wa on Monday, September 15, Dr. Dominic Ayine said it’s good to work with international partners to raise professional standards. However, he warned that this cooperation should not extend into Ghana’s constitutional and political matters.
“We should avoid involving foreign groups in our internal constitutional issues,” he said. “It’s fine to share ideas and learn from similar organizations abroad, but it should stop there.”
He explained that letting outsiders influence Ghana’s constitutional affairs goes against the principle that power belongs to the people of Ghana, and that government decisions should always reflect their will.
Dr. Ayine made these remarks following a joint appeal from the Bar Council of England and Wales and the Commonwealth Lawyers Association, who had asked President Mahama to undo the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo before any decision on her removal from office.
The two organizations, in a statement on August 14, praised Ghana for respecting the rule of law. They also called on the government to reinstate the Chief Justice immediately. This request has since sparked debate within Ghana’s legal community.
