A Ghanaian media practitioner and civil society activist has petitioned the Chief Justice, calling for mandatory psychiatric assessments for all judges and magistrates as a measure to restore public confidence in the country’s judiciary.
In a petition dated 4 February and addressed to Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, Ohenenana Kwaku Kyei urged the Judicial Service to institute comprehensive mental health evaluations for judges prior to appointment and at regular intervals during their tenure.
Concerns
Kyei cited growing public concern over judicial integrity, pointing to declining trust in the courts and perceptions of bias, corruption and inconsistent rulings in politically sensitive cases.
“Persistent public scepticism can erode the legitimacy of the entire system and weaken the social fabric that binds justice with trust,” he wrote.
The petition referenced World Health Organization estimates suggesting that about 13% of Ghana’s population lives with some form of mental health disorder, arguing that psychological fitness is critical in professions involving complex judgment and ethical decision-making.
Judicial competence
While stressing that the proposal was not an indictment of individual judges, Kyei said routine psychiatric evaluations would affirm judicial competence, enable early identification of mental health challenges, and strengthen public confidence in the justice system.
“This petition is driven by a sincere desire to strengthen Ghana’s judiciary, protect its reputation and uphold the rights of every citizen to fair and impartial adjudication,” he noted.
Funding
Kyei also offered to mobilise funding for the initiative, pledging to coordinate public, private and philanthropic resources to cover the cost of assessments without burdening the judiciary or state finances.
The office of the Chief Justice has acknowledged receipt of the document.
Ghana’s judiciary, long regarded as a pillar of democratic stability, has in recent years faced increased scrutiny amid allegations of corruption, delays in adjudication and questions over judicial independence.
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