Citizen Petitions President Mahama to Remove Justice Kulendi Over Alleged Misconduct

October 2, 2025

A Ghanaian citizen has formally petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to remove Supreme Court Justice Emmanuel Yonny Kulendi from office over alleged misconduct and conflict of interest in the ongoing ambulance procurement case involving Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.

The petitioner claims Justice Kulendi violated judicial ethics by interfering in matters linked to the prosecution of his cousin, Richard Jakpa, a co-accused in the case. Although the judge is not directly presiding over the trial, the complainant alleges he exerted undue influence on proceedings at the High Court.

According to the petition, “This conduct violates several provisions of the Code of Conduct for Judges and Magistrates and has eroded public confidence in the judiciary’s integrity, impartiality, and independence.”

The citizen argues that a Supreme Court judge’s involvement in a case concerning a close relative presents a conflict of interest that undermines the legitimacy of Ghana’s justice system.

The petition is accompanied by supporting documents, including:

• A High Court ruling dated June 6, 2024.

• Cross-examination records of Richard Jakpa in Republic v. Cassiel Ato Forson & 2 Others.

• WhatsApp messages between Jakpa and former Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame.

• An affidavit filed by the Republic in the same case.

The development adds another twist to the high-profile ambulance trial, which has been closely watched for its political and legal implications.

So far, the Presidency has not issued a response to the petition.