Worst excesses of judicial manipulation behind us – Tsatsu Tsikata

Legal luminary Tsatsu Tsikata says he believes the darkest days of judicial manipulation in Ghana are fading. His remarks come at a time when public discourse around judicial independence and accountability continues to shape national conversations on governance and the rule of law.

He expressed cautious optimism that the courts can still deliver justice despite past concerns. According to him, while the judiciary has faced criticism over the years, there are signs of progress and renewed commitment to fairness within the system.

Speaking on PM Express on Tuesday, Mr Tsikata said, “Some of the worst excesses of the judiciary, clearly being manipulated, are behind us, fortunately,” while urging judges to remain guided by their conscience and training. He emphasized the importance of professional integrity and ethical responsibility among members of the bench.

He argued that members of the bench are not incapable of introspection, stressing that “one only has to appeal to the conscience of the judges” because they understand the law and what it demands. His comments suggest a belief that internal reform and self-awareness within the judiciary can help address lingering challenges.

Mr Tsikata maintained that his confidence in the justice system is rooted not in theory but in personal experience, pointing to his own legal battle, which ended in vindication. His case has often been cited as an example of the complexities and delays that can characterize high-profile legal proceedings in Ghana.

“In the end, a Court of Appeal unanimously acquitted and discharged me on all the counts. It took eight years after the initial decision, but it still gave me the assurance that justice,” he said. The prolonged duration of the case highlights concerns about delays in the judicial process, even as it underscores the possibility of eventual justice.

That long legal journey, he noted, reinforced his belief that justice, though delayed, can still prevail. Legal analysts often refer to such experiences when discussing the resilience of judicial systems in emerging democracies.

He revealed that during that period, a biblical verse sustained his resolve: “Psalm 94:15, which says justice will once again be found in the courts, and all righteous people will support it.” He explained that this belief provided both personal encouragement and a philosophical foundation for his legal work.

He said that conviction continues to shape his legal advocacy and outlook, influencing how he approaches cases and advises clients navigating complex legal challenges.

“I have an inbuilt conviction that the law and justice can be found in the courts,” he stated, adding that his work is driven by a belief that the right outcomes are achievable within the system. His stance reflects a broader call for confidence in state institutions despite existing challenges.

Mr Tsikata recounted advising a client who had grown frustrated with what appeared to be manipulated court processes. Such frustrations, he acknowledged, are not uncommon among litigants who face prolonged or contentious legal battles.

The client repeatedly questioned whether confidence in the courts was still justified. His response, he said, was unwavering, reflecting his enduring faith in the legal process.

“I would say to him, ‘Yes, I don’t have an alternative anyway, but I do, and I promise you, you will see why. In the end, let us just keep going, put on the record what our conviction is about the right thing to be done in the end, God willing.’”

His comments ultimately highlight a broader message about perseverance, institutional trust, and the importance of continued engagement with the legal system as Ghana works to strengthen its democratic and judicial structures.