'CJ may want cameras, but the constitution knows better' - Amaliba insists on private hearings

Abraham Amaliba, a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), opposes televised proceedings against Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

He believes the framers of Ghana’s Constitution intended for an in-camera process.

On PM Express, he stated that the Chief Justice's desire for public coverage should not override the law.

“The CJ may want it televised, but the Constitution knows better,” he said.

Amaliba warned that allowing public coverage based on requests sets a dangerous precedent.

“We can’t just say that we should allow the Supreme Court to do what it likes,” he cautioned. “The Supreme Court is under the Constitution. It is not above it.”

When asked about transparency, Mr Amaliba noted, “Democracy is different from what the law is.”

He explained that while public interest may demand transparency, the law must be upheld.

He speculated that framers of the Constitution had national concerns when they required in-camera proceedings.

“Maybe they thought some information could impact national security or public health,” he suggested.

Mr Amaliba clarified that media coverage in courtrooms is a matter of practice, not law.

“That was practice. This one is enshrined in the Constitution,” he emphasized.

He stressed that proceedings must be held in camera and this requirement is non-negotiable.

Tampering with constitutional design for popular sentiment could lead to further issues, he warned.

“If we say the accused wants it public, then what next?” he asked humorously.

“We must respect the Constitution and its wording,” he concluded. “The language of the Constitution is specific.”