On June 30, 1982, exactly forty-three years ago, Ghana was plunged into a period marked by fear, uncertainty, and lawlessness, following the abduction of three High Court judges: Justices Fred Poku Sarkodee, Cecilia Koranteng-Addow, and Kwadwo Agyei Agyepong. Alongside them, Major Sam Acquah (Retired), an administrative officer, was also seized. The four were brutally murdered and their bodies burned, in one of the most heinous acts against the judiciary in Ghana’s post-independence history.
This tragic episode not only shocked the conscience of the nation but also struck at the very heart of the rule of law and judicial independence. As Ghanaians continue to commemorate the sacrifices and legacies of these martyrs of justice, it is imperative to reflect deeply on the broader implications for governance, accountability, and democratic resilience.
In this context, Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, Esq., offers a critical analysis of the circumstances surrounding the murders and presents informed recommendations for safeguarding the integrity of the judiciary and reinforcing the rule of law in Ghana.
Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah writes:
Today, 30th June 2025, as we commemorate the gruesome murder of the three (3) High Court Judges in 1982, we must remember that the commemoration of Martyr’s Day will be meaningless unless it leads to a secured and absolute independence of the Judiciary.
When Judges live under the fear that they can be removed from office merely upon a change of government, then certainly the independence of our judiciary will be weakened.
Should it be possible for a Judge to be removed for “stated misbehavior”? Yes, but that “stated misbehavior” must be defined. Should it be possible for a Judge to be removed for incompetence? Absolutely, but that incompetence must be proven.
The proceedings to remove a Judge must be fair and transparent. The Judge must from the outset know the prima facie case for which an impeachment committee has been set up to look into. Anything short of that would reduce the process into a kangaroo process; akin to what to what we witnessed under the PNDC regime, to which we have said never again!
We should as a people, aspire for a fair, transparent and accountable process to remove Judges from office, when the need arises.
Story: Lawal Mohammed
