The probe of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo has hit another chapter with President John Dramani Mahama receiving the first report from the Article 146 Committee of Inquiry this morning.
The committee is investigating three separate petitions seeking the Chief Justice’s removal from office.
At a brief ceremony at the Presidency, the committee’s chair, Justice Gabriel Pwamang, presented the report and clarified key aspects of the inquiry process.
He stressed that the panel conducted its proceedings in camera, in accordance with Article 146(7) and (8) of the Constitution, explaining that this did not mean the process was shrouded in secrecy.
“In camera proceedings are not the same as in secret,” Justice Pwamang said. “Limited procedural details could be shared without disclosing the substance.”
Addressing public criticism and what he described as “blatant false statements made about members of the committee and our work,” the chair reaffirmed the panel’s impartiality and professionalism throughout the process.
On the first petition, filed by Mr. Daniel Ofori, the committee heard evidence from 13 witnesses representing the petitioner.
Chief Justice Torkornoo also testified and was cross-examined, presenting her defense with support from 12 witnesses, including expert testimonies. In total, the panel reviewed nearly 10,000 pages of documentary exhibits and heard legal arguments from four lawyers on each side.
“After critical and dispassionate examination and assessment of all the evidence, including the expert evidence against the provisions of the Constitution and the relevant laws, we have, without fear or favour, arrived at a recommendation on the first petition,” Justice Pwamang said before handing a sealed envelope containing the recommendations to the President.
