Former Speaker of Parliament, Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, has expressed strong reservations about the secrecy surrounding the process of suspending the Chief Justice, arguing that it contradicts the principles of accountability and undermines public trust in the judiciary.
He questioned the rationale behind the constitutional provision that mandates private hearings in cases involving the Chief Justice, calling for a more purposeful interpretation that prioritises the public interest.
“I am concerned about certain issues that I consider vital, particularly the in-camera trial provision. You ask yourself, what is the rationale for that provision in our constitution? What is its purpose? And if we are to give it a purposeful interpretation, where does that lead us? Is the purpose to benefit the people of Ghana as a whole — that the Chief Justice must be tried in-camera?” he stated.
While the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) maintains that the suspension and subsequent proceedings have followed constitutional requirements, Professor Oquaye argued that the lack of public access to the hearings risks eroding confidence in the rule of law.
“From the very beginning, the constitution tells us that justice belongs to the people, it emanates from the people. Justice belongs to all of us. One may say that the trial must be held in-camera,” he said, according to a report by MyJoyOnline.com.
The Chief Justice was suspended following three petitions submitted to President John Mahama.
In accordance with constitutional procedures, a committee was established to probe the allegations contained in the said petitions.
MRA/MA
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