Atuguba accuses NPP of 'pure hypocrisy' over their criticisms in the CJ suspension case

Retired Supreme Court Justice William Atuguba has criticized the New Patriotic Party (NPP). He accused them of hypocrisy regarding their objections to judges in cases involving Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

His comments followed an objection from former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame. Dame argued it was improper for an acting Chief Justice to preside over a case involving the substantive Chief Justice.

On Monday, the NPP held a street protest against the removal of the Chief Justice.

In an interview with JoyNews' Elton Brobbey, Justice Atuguba questioned the NPP’s sincerity. He referred to their conduct while in power.

“When they [the NPP] were in office, how did they perform?” he asked. “Transparently? Neutrally? In the interest of the people? This is pure hypocrisy,” he said.

He also mentioned former National Security Minister Albert Kan-Dapaah's comments about court rulings. Kan-Dapaah suggested that some rulings are managed for national stability.

“Yes, that’s an honest man,” Atuguba remarked. He questioned why Kan-Dapaah would be apprehensive if courts implemented the law fairly.

Justice Atuguba noted that previous panels under Chief Justice Torkornoo often delivered unanimous verdicts favoring the NPP. He argued this undermines their current criticism of her leadership.

“There was a 3–2 decision recently after reconstitution,” he stated. “Before that, it was always unanimous in their favor. Is that justice?”

He accused the NPP of trying to use the judiciary for political gain. “You have been overthrown through the ballot,” he said.

“Now your final defense is the Chief Justice? You say, ‘If she falls, we all fall.’ That’s what they are fighting for.”