Former Speaker of Parliament, Prof Aaron Mike Oquaye, has raised concerns about the practice where an inquiry into the conduct of an independent officeholder, such as the suspended Chief Justice, Justice Getrude Torkornoo, is conducted behind closed doors.
According to the former Speaker, a “dent” has already been made on the Chief Justice following her suspension, and as such, he finds it difficult to comprehend why the five-member committee established by President John Mahama to investigate the allegations against her will still conduct its proceedings in camera.
“The dirty linen has already been washed in the public,” he said on JoyNews’ The Pulse on Thursday, May 8.
“The whole concept of trial in secret is a very serious matter because it goes against the very foundation of justice,” he said.
Prof Oquaye, a seasoned constitutional lawyer and statesman, questioned the constitutional provision that permits such sensitive proceedings to be held away from the public eye.
Read also: Prof. Mike Oquaye accuses gov’t of ‘secret trial’ of Chief Justice
The former Speaker also criticised the process leading to the Chief Justice’s suspension, describing it as opaque and troubling.
He argued that the lack of public engagement and the decision to bar media from the hearings risk eroding trust in the judiciary and undermining democratic accountability.
The five-member committee, whose members were appointed by the President, is currently probing allegations of misconduct brought against the Chief Justice by three petitioners.
However, public access to the proceedings has been restricted as stated by law.
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