Godfred Dame, legal counsel for suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, has strongly opposed suggestions for the proceedings regarding her possible removal to be held behind closed doors. He insists that transparency is essential given the extensive public scrutiny the case has already attracted.
In an interview with Citi News’ Hanson Agyemang on Thursday, May 22, Dame emphasized that the petition against Justice Torkornoo has been widely discussed in the public domain, with top government officials openly criticizing her. Yet, he pointed out, the state now seeks to hold the proceedings in private as she mounts her defense.
“It cannot be a secret. There ought to be light on the proceedings because she has already been damaged in the public domain,” Dame argued, stressing the importance of fairness and openness.
He further contended that there is no justification for a closed-door hearing, as the case does not pose any threat to public order, safety, or national security. According to Dame, the government’s handling of the matter so far only strengthens the case for transparency.
“There is nothing which threatens public harm, public order or public safety in this proceeding to warrant it being held in the dark or in camera,” he said.
“On the contrary, the conduct of the government thus far, along with developments throughout the proceedings, underscores the need for a public hearing.”
Dame’s remarks come amid ongoing legal wrangling over Justice Torkornoo’s suspension. The Chief Justice has filed a motion at the Supreme Court seeking an interlocutory injunction to halt the work of the presidential committee probing petitions for her removal.
