Attorney-General dismisses suspended CJ’s objections on in-camera probe

The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has responded to objections from suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. These objections concern the ongoing impeachment proceedings against her.

In his legal opinion, the Attorney-General defended the constitutional process. He dismissed several concerns raised by the Chief Justice and her legal team.

The AG stated that conducting in-camera proceedings is a constitutional requirement. He emphasized that closed-door hearings protect both the Chief Justice and the judiciary's integrity. “This safeguard cannot be waived,” he noted, stressing its importance for public confidence.

Regarding the investigative committee's composition, the AG rejected calls for two justices to recuse themselves. Justice Samuel Adibu Asiedu and Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang are part of the panel probing the petition.

The AG clarified that Justice Adibu Asiedu did not participate in any previous injunction hearing related to this case. Therefore, there is no legal reason to exclude him from these proceedings.

As for Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, the AG argued that his past involvement with one petitioner does not indicate bias. “Mere participation in unrelated matters cannot be construed as evidence of prejudice,” he asserted.

The Attorney-General also addressed claims about committee members not taking their oaths of office. He refuted this allegation, stating all members have taken their required oaths according to law.

In conclusion, the AG stated that the Chief Justice's application for an injunction lacks legal merit. It fails to provide sufficient grounds to halt the impeachment proceedings.