No one is above the law - Ansa-Asare on suspended CJ's request for public hearing

Kwaku Ansa-Asare, a former Director of the Ghana School of Law, spoke about the investigation into suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. He stated that this probe cannot be broadcast live. Doing so would violate the 1992 Constitution.

On JoyNews’ The Pulse, he referenced Article 146. This article details how to remove a Chief Justice or superior court judge. It specifies that proceedings must be held in-camera, meaning they are not open to the public.

Ansa-Asare noted that while some may want live coverage, the law is clear. "The proceedings shall be held in-camera," he said. Therefore, they cannot be telecast live.

His comments follow Torkornoo's legal challenge for live broadcasting of the hearings. Ansa-Asare believes the Constitution intended these hearings to remain private. Deviating from this would breach due process.

He emphasized that if live broadcasts were allowed, it would have been specified in the Constitution. "By our public policy, certain matters are to be held in-camera," he explained.

Ansa-Asare also pointed out that judicial rules dictate whether hearings are public or private. In this case, he insists the law is straightforward.

"The law is no respecter of persons," he stated. He stressed equality before the law and warned against bending rules for anyone.

He added that Article 146 aims to protect the dignity and independence of the judiciary. The office of Chief Justice is one of three pillars of state power. Thus, some matters should remain out of public view to preserve its integrity.