Former President John Mahama has strongly condemned what he calls the “gross injustice” done to the people of Santrokofi, Akpafu, Likpe, and Lolobi (SALL), who have been without parliamentary representation since 2020.
Speaking passionately on the issue, Mahama criticized the inconsistencies within the justice system and accused the judiciary of favoritism that has denied SALL residents their right to representation.
Mahama pointed out the irony in the recent actions of the Supreme Court, which, despite previously ruling it had no jurisdiction over matters in Parliament, quickly issued a stay of execution in favor of a ruling party Member of Parliament. The stay prevented the Speaker of Parliament from declaring a seat vacant, with the court citing concerns about representation just two months before an election. Mahama questioned why such concern over representation was not extended to SALL, whose residents have been without an MP for nearly three years.
“Why was it acceptable for SALL residents to remain without a Member of Parliament, yet when a similar issue affects an MP from the ruling party, the judiciary acts swiftly to ensure representation?” Mahama asked, underscoring a perceived double standard. He added, “Nobody is superior to another in Ghana, and the justice system must be consistent. If it is inconsistent, it is unfair to the people of this country.”
Reflecting on the lack of urgency in addressing SALL’s absence in Parliament, Mahama argued that justice has been selectively applied. He described the situation as emblematic of a broken judicial system that fails to uphold equal rights for all citizens. “SALL residents are not inferior citizens of Ghana compared to others,” Mahama stressed, noting that this exclusion has been described as the “cardinal sin of the Fourth Republic.”
The former President warned that such injustices could erode Ghana’s democracy if left unchecked. He advocated for judicial reforms to ensure fair and consistent justice, asserting that Ghana’s democracy can only survive if every citizen is treated equally before the law.
Mahama concluded with a call to action, promising further dialogue on the issue and pledging to prioritize judicial reforms to restore public confidence. “For democracy to thrive, our judiciary must carry out reforms that make it consistent, fair, and able to dispense justice without fear or favor,” he said.
The unresolved issue of SALL’s representation continues to weigh heavily on Ghana’s democratic landscape, highlighting the need for institutional accountability and equality across all regions.
