Supreme Court nominee Justice Senyo Dzamefe has expressed misgivings about the judiciary’s continued financial dependence on the executive and legislature, despite constitutional provisions guaranteeing its independence.
Appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, June 16, Justice Dzamefe argued that the judiciary’s autonomy is undermined by its reliance on allocations determined through the national budget process.
“When it comes to the judiciary, yes, we are independent, administratively, yes, we are independent, but financially we are not because you [Parliament] give us money—when the budget comes to you, you give what you think we need,” he told the committee.
Justice Dzamefe said the judiciary’s inability to control its own finances limits its effectiveness and exposes it to potential interference, thereby weakening the principle of separation of powers.
He stressed that full judicial independence requires not only freedom in decision-making and administration, but also financial autonomy.
“A lot has to be done to ensure the judiciary does its work without any hindrances,” he noted.
His comments come amid renewed calls for comprehensive reforms to strengthen democratic institutions, improve transparency, and bolster the independence of the judiciary.
Justice Dzamefe’s vetting is part of an ongoing process to confirm nominees to the Supreme Court as submitted by President John Dramani Mahama in April.
