A political scientist at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Dr Amakye Boateng has criticised President Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration, accusing it of deliberately undermining the independence of Ghana’s judiciary.

He added that the politicisation of the judiciary has damaged public trust and weakened its role as the foundation of justice and stability for other institutions.

Speaking on the AM Show on JoyNews, Dr Boateng emphasised the importance of protecting the judiciary’s autonomy. “The judiciary provides unique services to society, underpinning the stability of several institutions. It is the last place where justice is dispensed, and its independence must be protected at all costs. Even as president, one must exercise restraint and avoid interfering with its operations,” he said.

He alleged that President Akufo-Addo has actively compromised the judiciary by appointing politically aligned individuals, describing the move as damaging to the institution’s integrity. “We have witnessed a conscious effort by this government to pack the judiciary with known party activists. This is not institution building, it is institution destruction,” he added.

Dr Boateng noted that the judiciary has long faced public doubt, even before the exposés by investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas. However, he criticised the government for worsening these challenges instead of addressing them.

He also took aim at the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), accusing it of failing to acknowledge the harm done. “The NPP as a political party did not see anything wrong with these developments. This shows a disregard for the institutional integrity of the judiciary,” he lamented.

Dr Boateng extended his criticism to the government’s flagship Free Senior High School (SHS) programme, which he described as poorly executed. “Even the Free SHS policy was a façade. They didn’t mean it. The government’s overall performance goes below zero,” he concluded.