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Todays Trends Blog of Friday, 11 July 2025
Source: Samuel Osei
I came across this article on opera news today with the headline above, and it got me thinking about the fine line between judicial commentary and public accountability. Can retired judges share their views on ongoing national issues, or should they stay silent for the sake of decorum? Here’s a breakdown of what was reported:
A new controversy has emerged in Ghana’s legal space following remarks made by retired Supreme Court Judge, Justice William Atuguba. His recent interview on TV3, where he commented on jurisdiction in election-related matters, has sparked public backlash — most notably from outspoken lawyer Maurice Ampaw.
Speaking on Wontumi TV’s “Mmra Ne Abrabo”, Ampaw harshly criticized the retired judge. “You’ve brought shame to the bench,” he declared, insisting that Justice Atuguba should not be making public statements that could influence public perception of the judiciary. Ampaw argued that retired judges should uphold the dignity of the bench by refraining from commenting on legal cases or ongoing constitutional debates.
The crux of Justice Atuguba’s remarks lies in his interpretation of Article 99(1) of Ghana’s Constitution. According to him, any issue regarding the removal or vacation of a Member of Parliament’s seat should be handled by the High Court, not the Supreme Court — a position he aired in response to recent legal proceedings.
Ampaw, however, saw this as dangerous and inappropriate. He labeled Atuguba’s actions as a form of “misconduct” and even called on the Ghana Bar Association to discipline him. In his view, Atuguba’s public comments could mislead the public and interfere with current judicial processes.
My Thoughts:
This situation raises big questions: Should retired judges keep silent, or do they have the right to contribute to national discourse, especially on legal matters? While transparency and accountability are vital in any democracy, the independence and perception of the judiciary must also be protected. Striking that balance is where the real challenge lies.
Source:
This article is based on a report originally posted by Goodnews on Modern Ghana. The headline has been retained for context and discussion purposes.
