Thursday, 09 July

Justice Kulendi urges Ghanaians to stop bribing judges

News
Supreme Court Judge Justice Emmanuel Yonny Kulendi

Supreme Court Judge Justice Emmanuel Yonny Kulendi has urged Ghanaians to stop offering inducements to judges, saying the fight against corruption in the judiciary cannot succeed without a change in public behaviour.

Speaking in an interview on Citi FM, Justice Kulendi said judicial corruption is not driven by judges alone, arguing that individuals who attempt to influence court decisions through bribery are equally responsible for undermining the justice system.

He stressed that justice is not a commodity to be bought and appealed to litigants and the general public to refrain from offering money or favours in an attempt to influence court outcomes.

Justice Kulendi acknowledged that some members of the judiciary have engaged in corrupt practices but cautioned against using the actions of a few to tarnish the reputation of the entire institution.

According to him, the judiciary reflects the broader Ghanaian society and is therefore not immune to the challenges of corruption that exist in other sectors. He noted that the authority vested in judges can also attract individuals who seek to abuse the office for personal gain.

Despite these concerns, the Supreme Court judge maintained that many judicial officers continue to discharge their duties with integrity, impartiality and professionalism, upholding the rule of law without fear or favour.

Justice Kulendi also referred to disciplinary actions taken in the wake of the Number 12 judicial corruption exposé, saying the Judicial Service has continued to sanction officers found culpable while ensuring that due process is respected throughout disciplinary proceedings.

He explained that judges, like all citizens, are entitled to fair procedures, adding that disciplinary measures must be carried out in accordance with the law rather than through arbitrary action.

Justice Kulendi made the remarks on Wednesday, July 8, during a discussion on public confidence and accountability within Ghana's justice system.

Source: Classfmonline.com/Zita Okwang