A member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Communication Team, Hamza Suhuyini, has strongly criticised suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Torkornoo, describing her recent public address as “sacrilegious”.
Speaking on Morning Starr with Naa Dedei Tettey on Friday, June 27, Mr. Suhuyini questioned the propriety of Justice Torkornoo’s conduct, considering her stature and constitutional obligations as Chief Justice.
“I think that for me, I have said it on several other platforms. It was sacrilegious to say the least because considering her stature and the role she played as far as justice delivery in our country is concerned and most importantly, the oath she swore as chief justice of the Republic of Ghana to uphold the constitution of the Republic of Ghana and to ensure impartiality in justice delivery and most importantly to a very large extent to be non-partisan,” Suhuyini stated.
He emphasised that Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, under which the impeachment process is being carried out, clearly mandates that such proceedings be held in camera.
“Whether the contents of the petitions are out there or not. I’m a practitioner, in strict compliance with our ethics, I decided as a matter of principle not to comment on the substance of these petitions on any platform. I am not the subject of investigation but in strict compliance to that constitutional injunction, I have refrained, I have resisted the temptation to comment on it publicly.”
“Even if I had proceeded to run commentary on the so-called petitions, the responsibilities on me could not in any way have been matched with the responsibilities placed on the number one woman of the land when it comes to our judicial service. Someone who is supposed to live above reproach and in strict compliance with the very legalities that she’s been called upon to protect and interpret as a judge of the Superior Court of the Republic of Ghana. So much is expected of her, especially when that position comes with privileges. The people of this country pay to ensure that she benefits from those privileges.,” he added.
Justice Torkornoo, currently facing impeachment proceedings under Article 146, held a press conference on Wednesday, June 25, where she described the process as unconstitutional, irregular, and politically motivated.
She also raised concerns about the choice of Adu Lodge, a state facility along Castle Drive in Osu, as the venue for the proceedings.
The Chief Justice described the location as symbolically troubling, referencing its historical link to the 1981 abduction and murder of three High Court judges and a military officer; one of whom was her uncle and former guardian.
Justice Torkornoo further stated that resigning from office would wrongly imply an admission of guilt and embolden political actors seeking to manipulate the situation.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Hamdia Mohammed
