Attorney General and legal counsel for suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has strongly criticized government efforts to hold proceedings for her removal behind closed doors, insisting that transparency is vital in restoring her reputation after intense public condemnation.
In an interview with Citi News’ Hanson Agyemang on Thursday, May 22, Dame questioned the rationale for a secret hearing, especially given the public nature of the allegations and criticisms already levelled against the Chief Justice.
“The same state that allowed public commentary and condemnation now seeks to shroud the defense in secrecy,” Dame argued. “There ought to be light on the proceeding because she has already been damaged in the public domain.”
He emphasized that holding the hearings in camera would be unjustified and potentially harmful to judicial independence, noting that the case does not involve any threat to national security, public order, or public safety.
“There is no legal basis for a closed-door hearing,” Dame said. “The nature of this case — involving public trust and governance — demands openness. The conduct of the state so far only reinforces the need for full transparency.”
Dame’s remarks come as Chief Justice Torkornoo seeks an interlocutory injunction at the Supreme Court to suspend proceedings of the presidential committee set up to investigate multiple petitions calling for her removal.
Legal and political observers say the outcome of this case could set a precedent for how future complaints against high-ranking judicial officers are handled — whether in the light of day or behind closed doors.
