Posted by Chester Morton / Monday, 19 December 2016 / No comments
How Ghana practices Rue of Law
Definition of rule of Law
Rule of law has two definitions, the classical meaning as
proposed by A. V. Dicey and the modern definition by the New Delhi declaration
in 1959 at a meeting of the International Commission of Jurists.
According to A. V. Dicey, in his classical opinion, Rule of
Law means the law is supreme. In other words, the law is the highest authority
of the land in the absence of which nothing else can prevail. For example, the
law does not reside in the bosom of anybody.
The contemporary definition, as developed by the
International Commission of Jurists states that it is the conditions,
structures, institutions, processes and procedures that must exist so that the
individual can enjoy his life in dignity, security and prosperity.
PROOF THAT GHANA
PRACTICES RULE OF LAW
Independence of the judiciary
One of the evidence that Ghana is practicing Rule of Law is
that the judiciary is independent. The judges are appointed by the executive on
the recommendations of the Judicial Services Commission and after that they
cannot be removed from office until their age of retirement. The judges are
free to carry out their duty without any fear of being victimized by the
government.
Freedom of the press
Another factor that shows that Ghana is practicing Rule of
Law is the freedom of the press. In Ghana, there are hundreds of radio
stations, television stations, newspapers and news portal that say just
anything they want to without the fear of being punished for their opinions
except they breach the law.
Power of judicial review
In Ghana, the judiciary has the power to declare null and
void any actions of the executive and the legislature if they violate the
constitution of the land. In other words, the executive and the legislature
cannot act beyond the powers that are granted them by the constitution.
Constitutional restrictions
Another proof that Ghana is practicing Rule of Law is the
restriction the constitution places on the legislature to prevent it from
taking certain actions. For example, the 1992 constitution of Ghana would not
allow the parliament to pass any law with retrospective effect.
Periodic elections
In Ghana, there are periodic elections to renew the mandate
of a government or to remove another government from office. The freedom to
choose who rules over one’s country is one requirement of Rule of Law and Ghana
has done creditably well in ensuring that that happens every time the time is
due.
Fundamental Human Rights
The constitution of Ghana has enshrined in the constitution
some inalienable rights that the citizens must enjoy. The enjoyment of which
does not depend on the whims and caprices of any individual. The right to life,
the right to own property, the right to fair trial in the law court and many
others are all enshrined in the constitution. This shows that Ghana is indeed practicing
Rule of Law.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
1. Explain five ways in which it is applying the concept of
Rule of Law is being practiced in Ghana. [15 marks]
2. Show with evidence, five ways in which Rule of Law has
deep roots on Ghana. [15 marks]
