Judiciary not financially independent – Justice Dzamefe bemoans

Supreme Court nominee, Justice Senyo Dzamefe, has expressed concern over the lack of financial independence of Ghana’s Judiciary, despite constitutional provisions guaranteeing its autonomy.

Appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, June 16, Justice Dzamefe stated that while the Judiciary enjoys administrative independence, it remains financially dependent on the Executive and Legislature.

He noted that the budgeting process, which is controlled by the Executive and approved by the Legislature, limits the Judiciary’s ability to operate independently.

Justice Dzamefe emphasized that true judicial independence can only be achieved when the third arm of government has full control over its financial resources.

He called for systemic reforms to guarantee adequate and direct funding for the Judiciary.

“When it comes to the judiciary, yes, we are independent, administratively, yes, we are independent, but financially we are not because you give us money—when the budget comes to you, you give what you think we need,” he informed the Committee.