Photo: Fifi Kwetey, General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
In a candid interview with JoyNews, Fifi Kwetey, General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has asserted that the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) harbours deep-seated concerns over the implications of former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo’s exit from office, suggesting that her absence may impede the party’s perceived leverage in the justice system.
Speaking on the state of the judiciary and its role in ensuring justice and fairness, Kwetey alleged that the NPP’s apprehension stems from losing what he implied was a protective cover within the judiciary. ‘The NPP worries that they feel her departure makes it difficult for them to feel safe when cases are brought against them because now they are afraid,’ he said. ‘The person who possibly could be there and possibly manipulate the system to help us is no more there.’
Kwetey underscored the fundamental importance of justice in a democratic society, asserting that the judiciary must uphold the principle of justice without fear or favour. ‘If it’s clear that the one who is supposed to be in charge of justice in our country herself is not able to live up to the high standard of doing things according to the law, then charity must begin at home,’ he stated.
According to Kwetey, Akuffo has ‘nothing to fear’ if her record is devoid of misconduct, but insisted that any wrongdoing must be thoroughly investigated by the Council of State, which he described as comprising ‘noble people’ capable of conducting a fair assessment.
‘If the case is established against her, she has to go. If it’s shown that she has no case to answer, then there is no problem,’ he noted, expressing confidence in the impartiality of the Council.
Kwetey also praised former President John Mahama’s stance on the matter, characterising him as ‘not a petty-minded person’ driven by vindictiveness but rather by a desire to see justice served.
The former Chief Justice’s tenure has come under renewed scrutiny amid ongoing allegations of judicial bias and political interference, with Kwetey’s comments likely to intensify the spotlight on the judiciary’s role in politically sensitive cases as the nation gears up for the next electoral cycle.
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