Supreme Court acted right in throwing out suspended CJ's supplementary affidavit - Ansa-Asare

Kwaku Ansa-Asare, former Director of the Ghana School of Law, supports the Supreme Court's decision. The court unanimously struck out a supplementary affidavit from suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. This affidavit was part of her challenge against possible removal from office.

On JoyNews’ The Pulse, Mr. Ansa-Asare explained the ruling. He noted that a supplementary affidavit needs prior court approval to be valid. Without this permission, it cannot be introduced.

He stated, "When you apply for an interlocutory injunction, the court uses your main affidavit." He emphasized that filing without permission leads to rejection.

The Supreme Court ruled after Justice Torkornoo filed a supplementary affidavit. In it, she described her treatment during the impeachment inquiry as unjust and degrading. She claimed it violated her rights and dignity.

In response to her treatment, she sought to challenge parts of the process legally. However, the court found that her affidavit contained confidential information. This information should remain private and handled in camera according to Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.

The five-member panel upheld an application from Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem Sai. They agreed that the affidavit breached confidentiality rules regarding committee proceedings.

Mr. Ansa-Asare reiterated that discretion lies with the court on such matters. He advised that Justice Torkornoo’s legal team should have sought formal permission first before introducing new material.