Corruption: Ghana suspends 22 judges

The judiciary, which is the last hope of the common man, has been hit with serious scandal in Ghana, a country regarded as being ahead of others in West Africa in terms of economic and political probity, as allegations of corruption has led to the suspension of 22 judges.

An investigative journalist in the country released video and audio files implicating more than 180 judicial officials in alleged corrupt practices, forcing the Ghana judicial council to suspend the judges.

They were suspended on Wednesday after the journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas, released audio and video files implicating more than 180 judicial officials in apparent corrupt practices.

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In a statement, Ghana’s judicial council said it initiated the process to investigate the allegations against the 22 officials and others accused of accepting bribes and extorting money from Ghanaian citizens involved in court cases.

The council added that it was also probing the conduct of 12 high court judges and several other court officials, who had been mentioned in the video.

“The council fully reckons that the perception or actuality of corruption in the judiciary undermines confidence in the institution and cannot be tolerated to continue in any shape or form, hence the need to act with utmost dispatch,’’ the statement stated.

It further stated that the suspension would pave way for further investigation.

Anas , who describes himself as an “undercover journalist” and “private investigator” – has said that impactful journalism was necessary for a healthy society in Ghana.

In Africa, judicial officials are known to have subverted justice for pecuniary gains.

The criminal justice in many countries in the continent is very slow and frustrating unless backed with financial inducement.

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