Judiciary Under Scrutiny As Petition Targets Justice Yonny Kulendi

A concerned citizen Daniel Marfo Ofori-Attah, has submitted a petition to President John Dramani Mahama, demanding the removal of Supreme Court Justice Yonny Kulendi from office.

The petition, which has begun circulating online, is linked to an alleged leaked tape conversation purportedly involving Richard Dzakpah and a former Attorney-General Godfred Dame. The audio, according to the petitioners, raises questions about possible judicial compromise and ethical conduct within the judiciary.

In the leaked recording, the individuals allegedly discussed sensitive judicial matters, including supposed influences on pending legal cases. The petitioners argue that Justice Kulendi’s name being mentioned in such a context undermines public confidence in the judiciary and warrants a formal investigation.

“The integrity of the Supreme Court must remain unquestionable. Any perception of bias or undue influence erodes public trust in our justice system,” the petition stated.

The Office of the President is yet to respond to the petition, while the Judicial Service has also not issued any official statement regarding the claims.

Legal experts have emphasized that such petitions must follow constitutional due process, noting that the removal of a Supreme Court Justice requires a prima facie case to be established by the President in consultation with the Council of State, after which a tribunal may be set up to investigate the matter.

The development has stirred public debate, with some calling for transparency and accountability, while others caution against politicizing the judiciary.

The Reason Behind The Petition:

The demand for the removal of Justice Yonny Kulendi is tied to an alleged leaked audio tape involving Richard Dzakpah, a well-known political figure, and a former Attorney-General.

Ousted Chief Justice Must Receive Full Benefits Of Her Service

In the leaked recording, the two are purported to have discussed sensitive judicial matters — including possible interference in court cases and claims of influence within the judiciary. Justice Yonny Kulendi’s name was allegedly mentioned in the conversation, which led to public concern about potential ethical breaches or compromise of judicial independence.

As a result, the petitioners argue that:

•The Justice’s integrity and impartiality have been called into question.

•His continued presence on the Supreme Court could erode public trust in Ghana’s judiciary.

•The President should, therefore, invoke constitutional processes to initiate an independent probe and, if warranted, remove him from office.

The petition is based on allegations emerging from the leaked tape, and both the Judicial Service and the Office of the President have yet to comment formally on the matter.