Panelists At NCCE Dialogue Series Advocate Proper Balance Between Three Arms Of Gov't

Panelists at this year's dialogue series of the National Commission for Civic Education say the review of the Constitution must bring about proper balance between the three arms of government to safeguard the liberty of citizens. The Panelists comprised the Deputy Minister for Justice and Attorney General, Dr Dominic Ayine, a retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Mr Justice VCRAC Crabbe and a former second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Professor Mike Oquaye. Dr Dominic Ayine who is also MP for Bolgatanga explained that even though the powers of the three arms of government were separated in the constitution, there is a level of interdependence to ensure checks and balance. The three arms of government are the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary. Explaining further, Dr Ayine said the President has no absolute powers since he will need Parliamentary approval for some of his actions. For his part Mr Justice VCRAC Crabbe said there must be a blend in the functions of the three arms of government. He said the Judiciary must be given enough funds to operate. Mr Justice Crabbe applauded the autonomy of the Chief Justice saying even though he or she is appointed by the President, the Executive has no influence on its work. Professor Mike Oquaye refuted suggestions that judges cannot be removed easily. The Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education, Mrs Charlotte Osei explained the motivation for the choice of the topic. There was a huge argument as to whether members of the Council of State as advisors to the President must continue to run errands for him.