In a dramatic escalation of tensions within Ghana’s traditional and judicial spheres, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has formally petitioned President John Mahama to reconsider the appointment of Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, the Dormaahene, as a Justice of the Court of Appeal. The petition, delivered from the Manhyia Palace on October 4, 2025, raises profound concerns about the Dormaahene’s suitability for high judicial office, citing past instances of contempt of court and resistance to legal summons.
Speaking on Opemsuo Radio, the Asantehene questioned the integrity of elevating an individual who has himself been cited for contempt and shown reluctance to appear before courts. “How can you appoint a person who has been caught by contempt and does not want to appear in court to sit in judgment over others?” Otumfuo asserted. “This undermines the very credibility of the judiciary and sets a dangerous precedent.”
The appeal adds a layer of controversy to President Mahama’s recent swearing-in of 21 new Appeal Court judges—an event initially celebrated as a step toward strengthening Ghana’s judiciary. While many appointees have been widely praised, the Dormaahene’s inclusion has ignited fierce debate, pitting legal ethics against political and traditional influence.
Legal experts and civil society groups remain divided. Some view the Asantehene’s intervention as a necessary defense of judicial integrity, while others caution against prejudging the Dormaahene’s capacity to serve based on past conduct. For Otumfuo, however, the core issue remains one of moral authority: “The judiciary must inspire confidence, not suspicion. If we allow this appointment to stand unchallenged, we risk eroding trust in the very institution that is meant to uphold justice.”
As the presidency weighs its response, the petition has intensified public discourse, with social media platforms buzzing in support of both traditional leaders. The outcome of this dispute may not only determine the composition of the Court of Appeal but also set a critical precedent for the delicate balance between traditional authority, judicial independence, and executive power in Ghana’s evolving democracy.
Source:
