Ghana authorities need to investigate thoroughly allegations of judicial corruption

Following detailed allegations of corruption among a high number of judges in Ghana, Transparency International and the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), its chapter in Ghana, welcome the prompt start to investigations and call on the Ghanaian authorities to ensure that they investigate the evidence thoroughly and without interference.

“The accusations are serious and we expect a thorough investigation that is both transparent and speedy so the people of Ghana know that they can trust their legal system. Judges should abide by the law and not be above the law,” said Chantal Uwimana, Regional Director for Africa at Transparency International.

“Only a transparent handling of these investigations and subsequent sanctions for those found guilty will help Ghana avoid any possible negative impact that these allegations could have on the justice delivery system in Ghana,” said Vitus Azeem, Executive Director of GII.

The investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas, and the team who produced the evidence against the judges, and any other witnesses must be protected during the inquiry.

Monitoring Judiciary Corruption in Ghana, a 2006 report published by GII identified similar findings. At the time the Chief Justice promised to take steps to clean up the system.

“We appreciate the efforts of the Chief Justice in this direction but it does not seem to have yielded the desired results as revealed by the Anas exposé,” said Vitus Azeem, Executive Director of GII.

The high number of judicial officials implicated points to a systemic problem that needs to be addressed urgently. The Judicial Council’s findings and recommendations should be made public.

For any press enquiries please contact

Berlin
Chris Sanders
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+49 30 34 38 20 666

Accra
Vitus Azeem
[email protected]
+233 302 760 884