Journalist and broadcaster Paul Adom-Otchere has criticised President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to swear in Justice Samuel Bright Acquah as a High Court judge, describing it as ‘a worrying signal’ for the judiciary.

Speaking on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana on Friday, October 24, 2025, Adom-Otchere said it was troubling that Justice Acquah, who had reached the compulsory retirement age of 65, was recalled from retirement and elevated to the Superior Court of Judicature.

He expressed concern about comments previously made by Justice Acquah during a case involving Kwame Baffoe, known as Abronye, which he deemed inappropriate for a person of his standing.

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“A judge who makes this statement is then gone on retirement; he’s called back from retirement and elevated to now become a member of the Superior Court of Judicature. That is a worrying signal, a particularly worrying signal. And I don’t know how many people advise President John Mahama to do this,” Adom-Otchere said.

He argued that while the reappointment might be legal, it raised questions about the use of political discretion in judicial appointments.

“Many people felt that the discretion given to political authority must be looked at critically, not along partisan lines. The judiciary is meant to be the pillar that holds the executive and legislature accountable. So, everyone gets worried when judges appear to have a political lens,” he noted.

Drawing parallels with debates during former President Nana Akufo-Addo’s tenure, Adom-Otchere said similar concerns about judicial independence arose when the Supreme Court’s so-called ‘unanimous FC’ rulings dominated national conversation.

He cited Justice Acquah’s past remark that ‘some people are more equal than others’ as an example of why his reappointment should have been reconsidered.

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“That kind of statement should never be made by a judge. Given all the circumstances, I think the judge himself should have taken a step back to reflect, rather than return to the bench,” Adom-Otchere indicated.

He further indicated that the issue could surface during the vetting of Chief Justice nominee Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, amid renewed calls for transparency and accountability in judicial appointments.

MRA/MA

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