Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Anatu Anne Seidu Bogobiri Esq., has come to the defence of Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, insisting that his recent appeal for Ghanaians to support President John Dramani Mahama’s development agenda should not be viewed through a partisan political lens.
Speaking in response to criticism on social media, Ms. Bogobiri argued that the Chief Justice’s remarks were a patriotic appeal aimed at promoting national development rather than endorsing the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).
She pointed to the Chief Justice’s statement that, “President Mahama’s agenda is one that will benefit Ghana. We should do everything to ensure that he succeeds,” stressing that the comments focused on the country’s progress and not on partisan politics.
According to her, President Mahama serves as the Head of State for all Ghanaians, and the success or failure of his administration ultimately affects the entire nation, regardless of political affiliation.
“John Dramani Mahama is not just the NDC President; he is the President of the Republic of Ghana. His failure is Ghana’s failure, and his success is Ghana’s success,” she stated.
Ms. Bogobiri explained that if the government’s efforts to reset the economy, tackle corruption, create jobs and improve the living standards of citizens are successful, every Ghanaian—including supporters of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP)—would benefit.
She questioned why anyone committed to Ghana’s development would hope for the failure of a sitting President, adding that the Chief Justice never urged citizens to vote for the NDC or support President Mahama’s re-election in 2028.
“He did not say ‘NDC must win 2028.’ He did not say ‘vote for NDC.’ He spoke about Ghana,” she emphasized.
Addressing concerns about judicial neutrality, the NHIA Deputy CEO maintained that the Constitution allows judges, including the Chief Justice, to express views on matters of national interest, provided such comments do not interfere with their constitutional responsibilities.
She argued that judicial independence should not be mistaken for silence on issues affecting national development, noting that the judicial oath primarily requires impartiality in the administration of justice.
“The Chief Justice was speaking at a nation-building forum, not from the bench,” she said, describing his remarks as a responsible call for citizens to contribute to the country’s progress rather than political campaigning.
Ms. Bogobiri also accused critics of applying double standards, claiming that some of those condemning the Chief Justice had remained silent when similar statements were made in support of development initiatives under previous governments.
She called for consistency in public discourse involving the judiciary and political leadership, stressing that national development should never become a partisan issue.
Reaffirming her support for President Mahama’s “Reset Agenda,” Ms. Bogobiri said every Ghanaian should be prepared to back policies that advance the country’s interests irrespective of political differences.
She concluded by urging citizens to place Ghana first and assess public statements within their proper context instead of interpreting appeals for national development as political endorsements.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com