By Boakye Stephen, Kumasi, Ghana | Reporting for Ghanaian News, Canada | July 8, 2026
Supreme Court Justice Emmanuel Yonny Kulendi has issued a strong appeal to Ghanaians to stop attempting to influence judicial decisions through bribery, insisting that efforts to eliminate corruption from the justice system must involve both public officials and ordinary citizens.
Speaking during a radio interview, Justice Kulendi stressed that while corruption within the judiciary remains a concern, the problem cannot be addressed effectively if members of the public continue to offer inducements in exchange for favorable court outcomes.
According to him, corruption in the justice system is often viewed solely from the perspective of judicial officers receiving bribes, while little attention is given to those who initiate and facilitate such acts.
Corruption Is a Shared Responsibility
Justice Kulendi acknowledged that some judicial officers have been found guilty of misconduct over the years. However, he emphasized that many judges and court officials continue to discharge their duties with honesty, professionalism and integrity.
He argued that individuals who attempt to influence court proceedings through financial inducements should be held equally accountable, noting that bribery undermines the rule of law and weakens public confidence in the country’s legal institutions.
“The fight against corruption cannot be won if people continue to offer bribes while expecting the judiciary alone to bear responsibility,” he indicated.
Judiciary Continues Internal Reforms
The Supreme Court Justice further revealed that the judiciary has maintained measures to identify and discipline officers whose conduct falls short of professional standards.
He explained that judicial personnel found guilty of unethical behaviour face sanctions, including dismissal, but stressed that disciplinary proceedings must be conducted in accordance with constitutional principles and due process.
Justice Kulendi noted that fairness remains essential in all investigations to ensure that accused officers are given the opportunity to respond to allegations before decisions are made.
Protecting Public Trust
His comments come at a time when public confidence in institutions remains a key national concern, with many citizens calling for stronger accountability measures across all sectors of government.
Governance experts argue that restoring trust in the judiciary requires not only the punishment of corrupt officials but also a broader cultural shift that discourages attempts to manipulate legal outcomes through improper means.
Strengthening the Rule of Law
Observers believe Justice Kulendi’s remarks highlight an important reality in Ghana’s anti-corruption efforts: corruption is rarely a one-sided transaction.
By encouraging citizens to reject bribery and respect legal processes, analysts say the judiciary is seeking to reinforce the principles of fairness, impartiality and accountability that form the foundation of democratic governance.
As Ghana continues efforts to strengthen its institutions, Justice Kulendi’s message serves as a reminder that protecting the integrity of the courts is a collective responsibility that extends beyond judges and judicial staff to every citizen who interacts with the justice system.
