Accra: Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has called for major reforms in Ghana's judiciary, emphasizing that professionals within the judiciary should play a larger role in selecting their own leaders. In a video shared by JoyNews on June 12, 2026, he argued that external influence in appointing heads of the judiciary should be minimized to safeguard the independence of the justice system.
According to Ghana Web, Bagbin expressed the need for judiciary professionals to have the autonomy to appoint judges and leaders within their field. He highlighted the current system's shortcomings, where external parties have significant influence over such appointments, arguing for a shift towards a more internally governed process. Bagbin drew parallels with the legislative process, noting that Members of Parliament and the Speaker are elected through established processes rather than direct presidential appointments.
Bagbin elaborated on the public misconceptions regarding the selection of parliamentary leadership. He explained that although the President may have some input, it does not determine the final decisions within Parliament. He emphasized that the Speaker's authority is derived from Parliament itself, not the Presidency, underscoring the importance of maintaining independence in all branches of government.
The Speaker further highlighted the importance of loyalty and allegiance to Parliament and the nation rather than external authorities. Bagbin's comments align with growing calls for reforms in Ghana's judicial system to ensure a more independent and transparent process.