‘I’m sad that the judiciary has become a playground for politicians’ – Franklin Cudjoe

Franklin Cudjoe, President of IMANI Africa, has criticized Ghana’s judiciary, alleging it is manipulated by political interests.

Following a recent 5-2 Supreme Court ruling that overturned Speaker Alban Bagbin’s declaration of four parliamentary seats as vacant, Cudjoe described the judgment as “judicial terrorism.”

Speaking on 3FM, he argued that the Chief Justice’s ability to select justices who align with her stance undermines judicial independence, making the system a “bully playground for politicians.”

He suggested the 5-2 decision was a superficial attempt to appear balanced. Additionally, Cudjoe referenced the unresolved representation of SALL, questioning whether political bias influenced the court's decision.

The ruling, led by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, responded to a legal challenge by Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, ultimately countering Bagbin’s move to declare certain parliamentary seats vacant.