Governance Expert Dr. Fred Oduro has passionately called for Ghanaians, especially political leaders, to respect the rule of law and cease undermining the judiciary.
His comments come amidst claims that the Supreme Court’s directive to halt Speaker Alban Bagbin’s decision to declare four parliamentary seats vacant was politically influenced.
Dr. Oduro, speaking on ABC in the Morning, emphasized that questioning the impartiality of the judiciary erodes public confidence in the legal system and must be stopped.
He criticized some political leaders for inconsistency, pointing out that they praise the courts when rulings favor them but discredit the system when decisions do not go their way.
Referring to Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Dr. Oduro recounted, “When he felt the court was not dealing with him well, he went to the Supreme Court, and they ruled in his favor.
He came out hailing the court system.” He questioned the current change in attitude, asking, “Why is it that today, he sought to become a majority leader, but he thinks because the court did not support his action, the court suddenly becomes bad?”
Dr. Oduro warned that this selective criticism of the courts is dangerous for the country’s democracy.
He urged politicians to consider the broader implications of their actions, asking, “If the NDC becomes the majority in parliament, what will be the use of that to Ghana as a country?”
His call for upholding the rule of law highlights the need for consistency and respect in navigating Ghana’s political and legal landscape.