Chief Justice’s State-Company Tour Is ‘Shocking and Unprecedented,’ Says Kojo Oppong Nkrumah

Kojo Oppong Nkrumah says he has never seen a Chief Justice tour Ghana’s state-owned enterprises, calling the recent visits “shocking and unprecedented.”

The former information minister and current member of parliament for Ofoase-Ayirebi made the remarks during an interview on Asempa FM while discussing the Chief Justice’s visit to the Minerals Income Investment Fund and other state agencies.

Oppong Nkrumah questioned the context and purpose of the visits. He argued that the judiciary is an independent arm of government and should maintain a clear separation from the executive and legislative branches.

He also raised concerns about remarks attributed to the Chief Justice during the engagement with MIIF staff and management. Those remarks reportedly addressed the performance of state-owned enterprises and earlier plans by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust to dispose of assets, including the Labadi Beach Hotel. Oppong Nkrumah asked what had been done over the previous eight years if state companies were now being assessed in that way.

Oppong Nkrumah said he wanted to watch the full video of the Chief Justice’s engagement before drawing a final conclusion. He added that the Chief Justice had already faced public criticism over a perceived closeness to officials of the governing National Democratic Congress, making the tours a further source of concern.

He maintained that the judiciary should protect its independence and avoid conduct that could create the impression of close involvement with the executive.

“

I’m very surprised that the Chief Justice is touring state-owned enterprises. This, and his statement, have never happened in the history of Ghana’s justice system.