Broadcast journalist Paul Adom-Otchere has criticized President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to recall Justice Samuel Bright Acquah from retirement and swear him in as a High Court judge, describing the move as a “worrying signal” for Ghana’s judiciary.
Speaking on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana on Friday, October 24, 2025, Adom-Otchere expressed unease over the elevation of Justice Acquah to the Superior Court of Judicature despite having reached the mandatory retirement age of 65. He argued that the decision undermines public confidence in the independence and integrity of the judicial system.
“A judge who makes this statement is then gone on retirement; he’s called back from retirement and elevated to now become a member of the Superior Court of Judicature. That is a worrying signal, a particularly worrying signal,” Adom-Otchere said, referencing controversial remarks made by Justice Acquah during a previous case involving politician Kwame Baffoe, also known as Abronye.
The journalist questioned the rationale behind the appointment and called for greater scrutiny of the advice given to President Mahama on judicial matters. He suggested that such decisions could erode the credibility of the judiciary and politicize its operations.
Justice Acquah’s recall has sparked debate among legal experts and civil society groups, with some defending the move as constitutionally permissible, while others echo Adom-Otchere’s concerns about its implications for judicial independence.
The presidency has not yet issued a formal response to the criticism, but insiders suggest the appointment was made in line with legal provisions allowing for the re-engagement of retired judges under special circumstances.
As Ghana continues to grapple with questions about judicial transparency and executive influence, Adom-Otchere’s remarks add to a growing chorus of voices calling for reforms that safeguard the impartiality of the courts.