Kwame Nkrumah Speaks on Treason

In a New Year’s message to the people of Ghana, President Nkrumah gave the following explanation for the revocation of the appointment of Ghana’s Chief Justice, Sir Arku Korsah: “The President appoints the Chief Justice, the Judges of the Supreme Court and the Judges of the High Court. In the performance of their duties Judges are not interfered with by the Chief Executive. -a :GHANA NEWS and, to this extent, they exercise the judicial powers of the state independently of the Executive . But , under our Constitution the Office In of the Chief Justice is not solely judicial. It is also Quasi – Political . It involves active co – operation and understanding with the President in securing justice, law and order , peace and stability.
other words, the position of the Chief Justice of Ghana is such that the holder of the post must be conscious of his political responsibility.

A treason trial, by its very nature, is political and can lead to unrest , disturbances and even violence. For this reason, our Government was bound to be interested in the treason trial by virtue of the fact that it is the responsibility of the Government to maintain law and order and to ensure the security of the state. The failure of the Chief Justice to take the President into his confidence in regards to the judgement of the Special Court, showed a serious disregard for the Office of the President. His failure also to recognize the effect that the judgement, whatever it was, would have on the peace, stability and order throughout the country, for which the Government would be responsible, was a clear indication of his lack of political responsibility . The Judges of the Special Court , by their failure to take me into their confidence , meant to create discontent and terror throughout the country. You the people of Ghana have made me the conscience of the nation . My duty is not only to govern but to ease the conscience of the people by giving them peace of mind and tranquility . The nation cannot tolerate a dishonest and corrupt judiciary .
I want to assure you all that there is a possibility of a re – trial of the persons involved in this particular case , depending upon the results of certain investigations now in progress.”