Yaw Nsarkoh, the former Executive Vice President of Unilever Ghana and Nigeria, has called for stronger institutional protections for Ghanaian judges. Speaking at an event in Accra on Tuesday, October 20, he warned that judicial officers often face professional risks when their decisions displease powerful political interests. According to MyJoyOnline, Nsarkoh argued that expecting judges to withstand such pressures without formal safeguards is unrealistic, as their livelihoods and families are inevitably affected by their rulings.
The former business executive highlighted the threat of arbitrary transfers and stalled careers as key dangers to judicial independence. He noted that judges who issue judgments that rub the political classes the wrong way may find themselves parked in sinecures or subjected to illogical reassignments. MyJoyOnline reported that Nsarkoh described these conditions as signposts of danger that encourage a culture of professional self-preservation, where officers avoid decisions that might jeopardize their positions. He suggested that this behavior is not confined to the judiciary but extends to other professional groups facing similar risks.
In a separate segment of his address, Nsarkoh challenged the common assumption that appointing more judges will resolve the country’s judicial challenges. He argued that Ghana must tackle the fundamental governance problems that generate disputes, such as persistent land conflicts, funeral-related disagreements, and chieftaincy issues. MyJoyOnline noted that he questioned why society relies on underfunded courts to manage consequences rather than addressing the root causes. He cited the volume of land cases clogging the judicial process as evidence that comprehensive land reforms are necessary.
Nsarkoh also emphasized the role of technology in improving the judicial and governance landscape. He urged leaders to leverage technological tools rather than fear them, stating that properly used technology can liberate capabilities and produce revolutionary outcomes. MyJoyOnline reported that he concluded by warning that persistent poverty and inequality could threaten social stability, asserting that a society failing to provide dignity to its citizens cannot guarantee lasting peace and security. His remarks aimed to prompt a broader discussion on needed reforms across professional groups.