BY Nadia Ntiamoah
The five-member committee set up under Article 146 of the Constitution to investigate allegations of misconduct against Chief Justice Gertrude Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, is facing mounting criticism after confidential testimonies of two former Chief Justices and other eminent legal experts were leaked to the media.
The leak has sparked outrage within Ghana’s legal community, with many calling it a serious breach of trust and a violation of the rules governing the Justice Gabriel Pwamang committee’s work.
The Closed-Door Assurances
From the outset, the Pwamang Committee made it clear that all proceedings would be conducted in-camera, assuring witnesses that their submissions would remain confidential.
This was in line with the constitutional guidelines for Article 146 proceedings, which are designed to protect the integrity of the process and shield witnesses from external pressures.
It was on this basis that former Chief Justices Sophia Akuffo and Kwasi Anin Yeboah, along with other respected jurists such as retired Supreme Court Justice Jones Dotse, renowned legal scholar Nana Dr. S.K.B. Asante, and veteran lawyer Samuel Okudzeto, agreed to testify before the panel.
Contradictions in Transparency
Ironically, while Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo herself had filed several applications demanding that her hearing be made public and even televised live, the committee rejected her pleas, insisting that the proceedings remain private.
Yet, in a twist of events, the testimonies of the two former Chief Justices and other legal figures have now found their way into the public domain.
This contradiction has raised questions about double standardsPwamang Committee Testimonies Leak. Critics argue that if the Chief Justice’s request for public hearings was denied, then leaking confidential testimonies of other witnesses undermines the very principles of fairness and confidentiality the committee sought to protect.
Breach of Trust And Calls For Accountability
Legal analysts describe the leak as an act of betrayal, pointing out that the reputations of eminent jurists who voluntarily appeared before the committee have been put at risk.
Some have accused the committee of bad faith, while others are demanding immediate action to restore public confidence in the process.
There are growing calls for the Pwamang Committee to issue an unqualified public apology to former Chief Justices Sophia Akuffo, Kwasi Anin Yeboah, and the other legal luminaries whose testimonies were compromised.
Beyond an apology, critics are also demanding a full investigation to identify the source of the leak and ensure accountability.
Political And Legal Implications
The controversy comes at a politically sensitive time, as the removal proceedings against Chief Justice Torkornoo have already divided opinion within the legal fraternity and the political establishment.
President John Mahama’s decision to establish the Article 146 committee sparked debates about judicial independence and constitutional interpretation.
Now, with the leak of testimonies, concerns are being raised about whether the credibility of the entire process has been compromised.
Some legal observers warn that unless swift corrective measures are taken, the episode could set a dangerous precedent for future Article 146 proceedings.
The Road Ahead
For many within Ghana’s legal community, the issue is no longer just about Chief Justice Torkornoo’s case, but about protecting the sanctity of judicial processes.
The Pwamang Committee has so far not issued an official response to the allegations, but pressure is mounting for the panel to address the concerns openly.
