Executive Director of Youth Alliance for Democratic Development, Ghana (YADD-GHANA), James Kofi Martey has urged the constitutional review committee to ensure Independent Attorney General and Police Service
Speaking at an open forum program dubbed 1992 constitutional review at the University of Ghana, Legon, he emphasized the need for the Attorney General and Minister of Justice to be appointed by an independent body, rather than the government.
He argued that this would prevent political interference and ensure that justice is served for all citizens.
Martey noted that the Attorney General, as the lawyer for Ghanaian citizens, should be independent and not a politician.
He stressed that the current system, where the Attorney General is appointed by the President, creates a conflict of interest, particularly in cases where the governing party is involved in corruption.
“If the governing government office is court in corruption, we don’t see justice,” Martey stated. “Therefore, the Attorney General should be independent and should not be a politician and shouldn’t be appointed by the President because he can’t fight the one who appointed him.”
Martey also called for Article 200 to be amended to make the Police Service independent, free from presidential interference.
He cited examples of recent AbleKuma North and Ayawaso West by-elections, where police failed to intervene despite violent incidents.
He attributed this inaction to the fact that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) is appointed by the President. He emphasized the need for the police to operate independently, free from political interference.
“We want Police to be their own so that they can do their work well without interference with any political party,” Martey emphasized. “Because the police should protect life and property to maintain law and order.”
Students from Ghanata Senior High School, Dodowa, who participated in the program, commended the organizers for providing valuable insights into the Ghanaian constitution and its implications. They noted that the current constitutional framework concentrates too much power in the presidency, which can hinder justice for all.
The students advocated for reforms to transfer some of these powers to independent bodies, ensuring a more balanced and impartial system. This would help promote accountability, transparency, and fairness in governance.
Bernard K Dadzie
