Justice Atuguba demands judicial overhaul to end 'unanimous FC' rulings

In a recent episode of The Assembly podcast hosted by Dr. Ayure-Inga Mark Agana, Retired Supreme Court Justice William Atuguba delivered a bold call for systematic reforms to restore public confidence in Ghana’s judiciary.

Citing widespread perceptions of judicial bias and inefficiency—exemplified by surveys like those from Afrobarometer and rampant criticism on social media—Justice Atuguba argued that the court’s predictable unanimous verdicts, often favoring the ruling government and its associates, have earned it the nickname “Unanimous FC.”

“The public outcry against the judiciary has been significant,” Justice Atuguba stated during the broadcast. “There is a trust deficit, and any new government that takes over must act decisively if it genuinely believes that the concerns raised were justified.”

Highlighting the need for reform, Justice Atuguba emphasized that any changes should be grounded in empirical evidence rather than driven by political convenience. “You don’t remove judges based on political convenience,” he cautioned. “But if there is clear evidence that some have acted as political poodles rather than impartial arbiters, they should be removed.”

Beyond calling for the removal of compromised judges, he stressed the importance of appointing individuals who are truly qualified, independent, and committed to upholding justice. “You don’t even necessarily need constitutional amendments,” he argued. “Just ensure that those appointed are competent and resolutely independent.”

Justice Atuguba’s remarks have added fuel to the ongoing debate about judicial integrity in Ghana, especially in the wake of controversial rulings in high-stakes political cases. His insights offer a roadmap for restoring credibility to one of the nation’s most critical institutions, urging a clean-up that will rebuild public trust and ensure that justice is administered impartially.

As discussions on judicial reform continue to gain momentum, Justice Atuguba’s call for a judicial overhaul resonates with many Ghanaians who demand accountability and transparency from their legal system.