Our Judicial system not under threat – Justice Mensah alleges

Supreme Court nominee Justice Philip Bright Mensah has downplayed claims that Ghana’s judiciary is under threat, asserting that the constitutional framework provides strong protection for judicial independence.

Speaking during his vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, Justice Mensah said the core functions of the judiciary remain secure and free from external influence.

Justice Mensah emphasized that the Constitution guarantees judges the autonomy to decide cases based solely on the facts and the applicable law, without interference.

He also clarified the administrative role of the Chief Justice, noting that while the Chief Justice oversees the operations of the judiciary, this authority does not extend to influencing the outcomes of cases.

His comments come amid public discourse about the independence of the judiciary, with some stakeholders expressing concern over perceived political influence.

Justice Mensah, however, reassured the committee and the public that Ghana’s judiciary remains guided by constitutional principles and judicial ethics.

He said, “Now, when do you talk about judicial independence, we are talking about the work of the judges and also the administrative setup of the judiciary. In the case of work done by the judges, which were called judicial activity, the constitution is very clear on it that, as a judge if I’m sitting, nobody can direct me what I must do or say. If so far as I’m sitting with the facts and the law that I have to apply to the case that is before me.”

“So I will not entertain any direction from the, even the president or the chief justice, and that is the independence I’m talking about. When it comes to the judiciary activity itself, where the digits are supposed to apply the law to the facts of the cases before them, that one is absolute. No one can interfere with the work of the judge or the magistrate.”