Supreme Court Justice urges public to stop bribing judges
via GhanaWeb3 min read
Supreme Court Justice Emmanuel Yonny Kulendi has called on Ghanaians to cease offering bribes to judges, emphasizing that public participation is crucial in combating corruption within the judiciary. Justice Kulendi acknowledged that while some judicial officers engage in corrupt practices, many others serve with integrity. He stated that judges do not bribe themselves, but rather litigants and Ghanaians offer bribes. He urged the public to stop bribing judges, as justice should not be sold. Justice Kulendi noted that public perceptions of judicial corruption, including those in surveys like Afrobarometer, should not overshadow the dedication of honest judicial officers. He explained that the judiciary can be vulnerable to corruption due to the significant influence judges hold in legal disputes. Despite these challenges, he maintained that the judiciary comprises many honest and dedicated individuals upholding the rule of law. He also mentioned ongoing disciplinary actions against errant judges since the Number 12 judicial corruption exposé, stressing the importance of due process. Justice Kulendi indicated that the Judicial Service has enhanced ethics training and regularly reminds judges of professional standards. He encouraged the public to report corrupt judges instead of shielding them due to personal ties. He assured that the judiciary would not protect judges found guilty of corruption, describing such conduct as destructive to the justice system. Justice Kulendi reje
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