Former Speaker of Parliament, Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, has criticized the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) for its handling of the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo.
He expressed dissatisfaction with the constitutional provision that requires the Chief Justice’s case to be heard in-camera.
“I am concerned about certain issues that I consider vital, particularly the trial in-camera provision. You will ask yourself what the rationale is for that provision in our constitution, what is its purpose, and if we are to give it a purposeful interpretation, where shall we go? The purpose is to benefit the people of Ghana as a whole, that the Chief Justice must be tried in-camera…”
“From the very beginning, the constitution tells us justice belongs to the people, it emanates from the people, justice belongs to all of us people, one may say that this provision could be at variance to the one that says trial must be done in-camera” he added.
Prof. Oquaye further expressed concern about the transparency and integrity of the process, emphasizing the need to shield the judiciary from political interference. He warned that the current approach could undermine public confidence in the rule of law.
The Chief Justice was recently suspended following allegations of misconduct. President John Mahama, subsequently established a committee to investigate the matter.
However, much of the committee’s proceedings have been held in-camera, a move that has drawn criticism from sections of the public and some legal experts.
While the NDC government insists that the suspension was executed in line with constitutional requirements, Prof. Oquaye argues that the secrecy surrounding the process compromises the principles of accountability and due process.
