'They want to break me' – Suspended CJ paints picture of abuse in Osu Castle hearings

Suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has shared her distressing experience during impeachment proceedings. She claims there is a deliberate effort to humiliate and isolate her.

In a supplementary affidavit, she accuses the investigating committee of violating her rights. She describes their treatment as “inhuman and degrading.”

“They want to break me,” she states in the affidavit. She portrays the situation as psychological torment from a committee that disregards fairness.

The application was filed on May 21. Torkornoo describes this as a “complete desecration” of her right to a fair trial.

“What I am going through is not even meted out to persons accused of treason,” she adds.

On May 23, despite her lawsuit, the committee decided to continue with the inquiry. Torkornoo claims she has not been informed of specific allegations against her.

She argues that this denial violates her basic procedural rights. Her affidavit highlights how her legal team has been sidelined.

On May 15, while absent, her lawyer was not recognized by the committee. This was shocking since he had received a hearing notice just one day earlier.

The committee set new hearing dates without involving her lawyer, who was present.

Torkornoo criticizes the decision allowing petitioners to avoid personal testimony. Instead, they relied on third-party witnesses, which violates standard inquiry rules.

She emphasizes that complainants should testify under oath and be cross-examined. The conditions of the hearings have also affected her dignity significantly.

She recounts being denied access to her phone and laptop along with her legal team. Her family members were barred from entering the hearing room, and personal searches were conducted.

In contrast, petitioners’ lawyers had access to their devices and received preferential treatment. “This is mental torture,” she asserts.

“These measures are designed to degrade me,” she continues. The hearings are held in a high-security zone at Osu Castle, which adds to her distress.

Torkornoo questions why only her case is moved to such a facility: “The location boggles the mind.”

She believes these ongoing violations aim to remove her from office under false pretenses.

“This is a mockery of justice,” she declares firmly. It feels like an unjust attempt to oust her from power.

Now, Torkornoo asks the Supreme Court to stop these proceedings immediately. She warns that continuing them will threaten judicial independence and undermine justices' security of tenure.

In closing, she urges the Court to protect judicial integrity and prevent assaults on independence.