Justice Atuguba delivers stirring call for integrity at 20th anniversary memorial lecture of Justice D.F. Annan

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Parliament House was the venue on Thursday for a solemn yet stirring Memorial Lecture marking the 20th anniversary of the passing of Rt. Hon. Justice Daniel Francis Kweipe Annan, the first Speaker of Parliament under Ghana’s Fourth Republic.

Delivering the keynote address at the D.F. Annan Auditorium, retired Supreme Court Justice William Atuguba painted a vivid portrait of a statesman whose life was defined by principle, humility and an unshakeable commitment to public service. Describing Justice Annan as a “true defender of democracy” whose integrity and selflessness remain unmatched, Justice Atuguba called on today’s leaders to emulate the example set by the late Speaker.

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A legacy of integrity and service

Justice Daniel Francis Annan served as Speaker of the First and Second Parliaments of the Fourth Republic from 1993 to 2001, playing a pivotal role in stabilising Ghana’s nascent democracy following the country’s return to constitutional rule. His tenure was marked by impartiality, respect for constitutional order and a commitment to strengthening democratic institutions.

Justice Atuguba recalled that Annan’s legal brilliance was evident early in his judicial career, noting that two of his judgments as a Circuit Court judge were selected for publication in the Ghana Law Reports — an uncommon achievement for a judge at that level. “He was absolutely humble, a man of the people in every respect,” Justice Atuguba said.

The retired judge recounted a powerful illustration of Annan’s uncompromising commitment to the rule of law: when his own son became involved in criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom, Annan reportedly insisted that the law should take its course without interference.

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A sharp critique of contemporary politics

Justice Atuguba did not spare today’s political class from criticism, lamenting what he described as declining standards in public life. “I see this Parliament as standing for something else than the interest of Ghana,” he declared. “Some of them are good. But others are a mess. A loyalty to the party and to the government for the time being is present.”

He accused some politicians of engaging in performative campaigning — drinking palm wine with locals, washing clothes, or pounding fufu — only to abandon their constituents once votes are secured. “Power belongs to the people, not politicians,” Justice Atuguba emphasised, warning that the pursuit of power without genuine commitment to public service undermines the foundation of Ghanaian democracy.

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Concerns over parliamentary expansion

The retired Supreme Court judge also questioned the rationale behind Ghana’s continuous expansion of Parliament, asking what tangible benefits the increase in parliamentary seats has brought to citizens. “I don’t know why a small country like Ghana has moved from about 100 Members of Parliament to 270 and now 275. For what reason and purpose?” he asked. He endorsed the stance of former Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, who had previously argued against creating additional parliamentary constituencies.

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A few bright spots

Despite his sharp critique, Justice Atuguba singled out some public officials for praise, including Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Member of Parliament for Klottey Korle, whom he described as “a woman of principle, dedication and integrity” whose conduct in public life deserved emulation. He also reflected on the untimely deaths of Dr Edward Omane Boamah, former Minister of Defence, and Dr Ibrahim Murtala, former Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, noting their selflessness and questioning the tragic loss of such dedicated leaders.

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Dignitaries in attendance

The lecture drew a distinguished audience including Vice-President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, a representative of the Chief Justice, the Ga Mantse King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, and Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin.

In a speech delivered on his behalf by First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor, current Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin acknowledged Justice Annan’s enduring contributions to Ghana’s democratic institutions. Clerk to Parliament Rev. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, in his welcome address, noted that Justice Annan demonstrated how “fairness and strict interpretation of parliamentary rules could coexist with patience, restraint and a commitment to consensus.”

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A call to remember

The event, held under the theme “Democracy, Development, and National Unity: Celebrating the Enduring Legacy of Rt. Hon. Justice D.F. Annan,” also featured a wreath-laying ceremony in his honour earlier in the day.

As the nation reflects on the 20th anniversary of Justice Annan’s passing, his legacy stands as a powerful reminder that leadership is ultimately measured by integrity, courage and truth — a call that resonates as strongly today as it did two decades ago.