The controversy surrounding suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has triggered a strong response from the Minority in Parliament, who are now urging President John Mahama and Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine to swiftly address the matter publicly.
The Minority contended that the situation calls for urgent attention and transparency, especially as it involves the head of the judiciary and raises constitutional concerns.
At a parliamentary press briefing, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, speaking on behalf of the Minority, emphasized that the nation’s 1992 Constitution was designed to prevent abuses of power, particularly in situations like the one now unfolding with the suspended Chief Justice.
Awuah, who is also MP for Manhyia South, stressed that regardless of public opinion on the suspended Chief Justice, the process must uphold fairness and integrity.
“Clearly, it is an unfortunate situation that the very head of our Justice Administration is having to go through this. I do not care about the guilt or innocence of her. What is important is that she should have at her disposal everything necessary to defend herself.”
Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah
According to him, any deviation from this undermines the legitimacy of the process and erodes public trust.
He also pointed out that the silence from key state actors, including the President and the Attorney General, is troubling. In his view, their lack of commentary on such a pivotal constitutional and legal matter only fuels concern among the populace.
Demand For Constitutional Clarity And Accountability
Hon. Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah further expressed serious concern that the process is being cloaked in secrecy, which he believes violates the fundamental principles of justice.
He called on the President, who swore an oath to defend the Constitution and uphold the human rights of all citizens, to take immediate interest in the case.
He emphasized that transparency in how such sensitive matters are handled is critical, especially when they involve high-ranking officials like the Chief Justice.
Awuah asserted that the public has a right to understand how the case is proceeding, what specific charges or issues are being raised, and why the government is choosing to remain tight-lipped.
Central to his argument was the need to release information regarding the prima facie determination that led to the current proceedings against the suspended Chief Justice.
“It is an unfortunate situation. And I think that the whole nation should be concerned. I think the other issues that she raised, in my humble opinion, as important as they may be, are not as primary as the issue of the notice of the prima facie determination.”
Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah
He believes that the lack of clarity and communication surrounding this decision undermines the rule of law and violates due process.
Referring to historical precedents, the MP reminded the public that in past instances involving judges such as Justice Sophia Akuffo and Justice Theodora, among others, President Kufuor and President Mahama had made their reasons public when deciding whether there was or wasn’t a prima facie case.
This, he argued, created transparency and helped the public make sense of complex legal processes.
Hon. Awuah further contended that a similar approach is needed now. The suspended Chief Justice deserves to be informed clearly about which parts of the petition have been deemed actionable. Without this basic disclosure, he noted, the principle of fair hearing is being ignored.
Silence From Government Raises Public Concerns
Hon. Awuah also reiterated that when such processes are shrouded in silence, it opens the door for speculation and erodes confidence in the justice system. More critically, it raises questions about the state’s commitment to protecting rights enshrined in the Constitution.
Highlighting the significance of issuing detailed explanations, Awuah maintained that the government cannot afford to remain indifferent. He said that issuing a reasoned statement is not only a matter of policy or preference but a legal and moral obligation.
The Minority, therefore, insisted that the President and the Attorney General owe it to the public and to the suspended Chief Justice to make a public disclosure.
They are calling for a statement that explains the rationale behind the prima facie determination and affirms the government’s respect for constitutional procedures.
As public interest in the matter grows, the Minority believes that the government must rise to the occasion by ensuring clarity, fairness, and legal accountability.
Failure to do so, they warned, could set a dangerous precedent in how judicial matters are handled at the highest levels of governance.
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