Retired Supreme Court Judge, Justice William Atuguba, has criticised Parliament, accusing some Members of Parliament of placing party loyalty and political ambition above the interests of Ghanaians.
Speaking at the D.F. Annan Memorial Lecture in Parliament on Thursday, July 16, Justice Atuguba said he believed the legislature was failing to serve the public interest adequately.
“I see this Parliament as standing for something other than the interests of Ghanaians,” he said.
According to him, while some lawmakers have demonstrated commitment to public service, others are more concerned with advancing their political careers.
“Some of them are good, but others are immersed in loyalty to the party and to whoever, for the time being, is President, manoeuvring to progress along the political ladder, irrespective of honesty, fairness and good service to the people of Ghana,” he stated.
Justice Atuguba said his comments were not motivated by malice but by concern over the country’s democratic governance.
“I’m not saying this out of spite, not at all, but it’s necessary because the ship of state has tilted very, very ominously. Happily, all is not lost,” he said.
The retired judge also criticised what he described as the changing relationship between politicians and the electorate before and after elections.
He observed that political leaders often become more accessible to constituents during election campaigns but distance themselves once they assume office.
“Elections are coming, the politicians are free with everybody, drinking palm wine, pounding fufu, washing clothes, more than people of the people. As soon as the results come, their calls will not be picked up by the ministers or MPs,” he said.
“What kind of life is this? Just a day before, we’re all one. Today, victory has come. Is that how it should be?” he questioned.
Justice Atuguba’s remarks formed part of his address at the D.F. Annan Memorial Lecture, where he reflected on governance, democratic accountability, and the role of public institutions in advancing citizens’ interests.
