Legal system must be allowed to function without undue interference or public grandstanding - Prof Adei

Professor Stephen Adei, an academic and governance expert, has called on political leaders in Ghana to prioritise unity, adhere to legal processes, and implement administrative reforms to safeguard the nation’s democracy.

In an interview with TV3 on Sunday [Dec 22, 2024], Prof Adei emphasised the need for calm and tact in managing the legal disputes surrounding the ongoing re-declaration efforts in some constituencies as part of the fallout from Election 2024.

“Our politicians must temper their political noise with legal prudence,” he advised. “The legal system must be allowed to function without undue interference or public grandstanding, as this will help cool tempers and foster confidence in the democratic process.”

Caution against political polarisation

Prof Adei expressed concern about the growing polarisation in Ghana’s political landscape, urging the two major parties, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), to act in the national interest.

“For the sake of Ghana’s cohesion and social capital, the two parties must work together to reduce polarization,” he said. “Our democracy cannot thrive in an atmosphere of division and hostility.”

Electoral disputes and legal processes

Commenting on the legal battles surrounding some constituencies, Prof Adei highlighted the importance of expediting judicial processes to avoid prolonged uncertainty.

“The delays in resolving electoral disputes often do more harm than good,” he observed. “In the case of Assin North, if the legal process had been quicker, the affected MP could have returned to Parliament sooner. Prolonged appeals and technicalities only serve to undermine public confidence.”

He urged political leaders to refrain from inflammatory rhetoric and allow the courts to determine outcomes impartially.

Reforms to strengthen electoral integrity

Looking ahead, Prof Adei proposed administrative reforms to address challenges in Ghana’s electoral process.

“One key reform is ensuring that polling stations remain secure and accessible only to authorised personnel during vote collation,” he suggested. “This is not so much a constitutional issue but an administrative one, and leaders must act decisively to implement such changes.”

He also called on the Electoral Commission to refine its processes to minimise disputes and maintain public trust.

A call for responsible leadership

Prof Adei also appealed to Ghana’s leaders, including President-elect John Dramani Mahama, to exercise restraint in their public engagements and prioritise the nation’s democratic stability.

“For the sake of our democracy, leaders must be circumspect in their statements and actions,” he urged. “Justice will be served if we adhere to due process and respect the rule of law.”