We would have a heavy price to pay if we undermine the Judiciary says Prof Adei

7th May 2025 By The Global Heroes Articles

Prof. Stephen Adei, a well-known Ghanaian economist and former Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), has rain praises over President John Mahama’s performance in his first 120 days in office and raised alarm over what he sees as deliberate efforts to undermine Ghana’s judiciary.

Speaking on JoyNews’ News Desk on Wednesday, May 7, Prof. Adei acknowledged the progress made since President Mahama assumed office on January 7, 2025. And he stated that, “I think John has done very well in his first 120 days".

Prof. Adei also warned that these achievements may be overshadowed by actions that threaten the integrity of the country’s democratic institutions particularly the judiciary. He described recent developments within the judicial system as deeply troubling and potentially destabilizing.

“What is happening at the judiciary is a very serious matter,” Prof. Adei cautioned. “I talked about it in January, I knew it was coming.”

Giving his concerns, he center around a series of controversial moves by the Mahama administration, including the abrupt appointment of seven new Supreme Court justices, efforts to unseat the sitting Chief Justice, and the installation of a replacement perceived to be aligned with the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Prof. Adei warned that politicizing the judiciary could have far-reaching consequences.

“If you undermine the judiciary, all of us will pay a very heavy price,” he said, drawing comparisons to countries where public distrust in legal systems preceded civil unrest. “In most countries, people lose confidence in the judicial system before conflict begins.”

He went ahead to urged a renewed commitment to upholding judicial independence and the rule of law.

At the meantime, President Mahama is scheduled to deliver a national address today, May 7, to present a detailed account of his 120-day social contract with Ghanaians.