Togbe Afede XIV, the Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State and President of the Asogli Traditional Area, has expressed concerns about Ghana’s judiciary and the need for reforms to enhance its role in protecting democracy, freedoms, and justice. Speaking candidly, the former President of the National House of Chiefs criticized recent judicial decisions, describing them as “predictable” and uninspiring. He lamented that some interpretations of the law appear to contradict its clear wording, undermining public confidence in the judiciary.
“It’s unfortunate that my judiciary has become very predictable,” Togbe Afede remarked. “We want a judiciary that exists to protect all of us, ensuring freedoms and fair justice delivery. But recent happenings have given us cause for concern.” He emphasized that the judiciary must work to inspire trust by strengthening democracy and justice through clear and unbiased legal interpretations.
Turning his attention to Ghana’s upcoming elections, Togbe Afede highlighted the importance of ensuring free, fair, and transparent electoral processes. He stressed that transparency is the cornerstone of credible elections, where voters should feel confident about the integrity of the process. “It must be secret elections but transparent,” he said, underscoring the need for clear visibility at polling stations without compromising voter privacy.
Togbe Afede elaborated on the practical aspects of transparency, stating that voters’ actions at the polling station must be observable to prevent electoral malpractice. “People should be seen picking their ballot papers, entering the booth, and leaving to cast their votes. This ensures no foreign material is introduced to the process, safeguarding its credibility.”
He also raised concerns about the positioning of voting booths, advocating for configurations that ensure visibility without infringing on voter secrecy. “When people enter the booth, they must be seen. The way booths are turned is extremely important,” Togbe Afede stressed. He urged the Electoral Commission to adopt measures that prevent the possibility of multiple voting or ballot tampering.
The traditional leader concluded by emphasizing the critical role of transparency in fostering post-election peace and acceptance of results. “Absolute transparency ensures nobody cries foul, and we can all believe in fair play. This will enable us to sustain the peace we cherish as a nation,” he said, urging all stakeholders to prioritize electoral integrity in the lead-up to the polls.
