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Kwaku Azar urges judiciary to exercise caution in delivering verdicts
via GhanaWeb4 min read
US-based Ghanaian legal scholar Stephen Kwaku Asare, also known as Kwaku Azar, has called on judges to be more careful with their language when delivering verdicts. In a Facebook post titled “Judges Must Be Measured in Their Words” on April 20, 2026, Professor Azar emphasized that careless language could erode public trust in the courts. He stated that courts not only decide cases but also speak for the law, highlighting that judicial language carries significant authority and consequences. Professor Azar cautioned judges against exceeding the scope necessary to resolve disputes, warning that overly expansive or emotionally charged language could shift the court's role from adjudication to moral commentary. He criticized instances where judges used strong character descriptions or introduced subjective considerations into their reasoning, stressing that courts should assess rights, contributions, and fairness, rather than relying on social or subjective judgments. He also raised concerns about judicial commentary that appears to attribute political motives to legislation, which could blur the line between legal interpretation and political analysis. To address these issues, Professor Azar proposed three guiding principles for judicial expression: necessity, neutrality, and institutional awareness. He advised judges to limit remarks to what is required for a case, maintain objectivity, and remain mindful of their constitutional role. He warned that failing to adhere to these p
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
Joshua Hamidu Akamba, a former National Organiser of the National Democratic Congress NDC, has urged the President to dismiss certain ministers due to what he terms "arrogance of power." In a video dated June 4, 2026, Akamba, without naming individuals, stated that some ministers, both men and women, have displayed conduct warranting their removal. He also called for state institutions to operate independently, free from political interference, cautioning ministers against influencing their work. Akamba further declared his intention to reject any political appointment from President John Dramani Mahama, emphasizing his lack of interest in government service. He dismissed any suggestions that his comments were motivated by fear or personal gain, highlighting his history of speaking out on national issues.
Samuel Nartey George, the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, announced that the Ghanaian government is developing a policy to mandate identity verification for access to pornographic websites. Speaking at the 4th African Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Sovereignty and Values on June 4, 2026, he noted that many countries are increasing restrictions on adult content. The initiative aims to protect children from exposure to harmful online material. George cited the United Kingdom's requirement for a driver's license to access such sites as a precedent. He stated that Ghana's proposed policy, currently being discussed with Cabinet, would require users to provide a driver's license or national ID card to verify age before accessing X-rated content. The Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram emphasized that early exposure to sexual content can negatively impact children's development, thinking patterns, morality, and overall values, underscoring the importance of safeguarding children to preserve societal cultural foundations.
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Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, the General Overseer of Action Chapel International Ministry, expressed optimism that Africa will develop to a point where its citizens can achieve their aspirations and prosper without seeking opportunities abroad. Speaking at the 4th Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Sovereignty and Values on June 3, 2026, he articulated a vision for a continent developed through "principles that work for us," rather than foreign models that do not align with Africa's unique realities. He dreams of a future where no African youth will need to queue for visas to other nations for greener pastures, emphasizing the importance of enabling young people to work, labor, and achieve their dreams and goals within their own countries. His remarks were made in conjunction with comments from Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, who also urged African nations to safeguard their cultural values and sovereignty from external influences.