It’s unethical and dishonourable – Martin Amidu blasts Godfred Dame over CJ Petition

Former Special Prosecutor Martin Amidu has criticized former Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame. He referred to Dame as “Telephone Man” for his comments about public hearings. Dame suggested that the petition to remove Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo should be held publicly.

In an open letter, Amidu called Dame’s suggestion “unethical and dishonourable.” He accused him of politicizing a process defined by Ghana’s Constitution. According to Article 146(8) of the 1992 Constitution, such proceedings must be conducted in camera, or behind closed doors.

Amidu stated, “It is unethical and dishonourable… to imply that public hearings are needed for political reasons.” He emphasized that any committee investigating these petitions must conduct its inquiry privately. Therefore, he believes Dame’s call for transparency misleads the public and undermines constitutional integrity.

Amidu argued that Dame's push for public scrutiny ignores previous Supreme Court interpretations of Article 146. The Constitution was designed to keep sensitive proceedings confidential. This protects the reputation of the accused and maintains judicial integrity.

Citing reports from Citi News, Amidu referenced Dame’s comment: “It cannot be a secret... there ought to be light on the proceeding.”

In response, Amidu accused Dame of acting as if he knows better than the Constitution's framers. He claimed this attempt overrides constitutional mandates for personal or political gain.

Amidu drew historical parallels from Ghana's past constitutions to show that in-camera hearings were intentional. Only cases involving the President allow Parliament to decide otherwise for national security reasons.

He cautioned against what he calls “judicial activism” that alters clear constitutional intentions. For him, calling for public hearings is not about fairness but a political move threatening constitutional sanctity.

“The injunction that proceedings under Article 146 must be held in camera was purposeful,” he stated firmly.