Ghana law official Dr. Justice Srem-Sai says the secret process for removing judges aims to protect people, not hide information forever. The deputy attorney general spoke about this on Wednesday morning on the radio after public concerns surfaced.
The rules keep removal hearings private because complaints might damage a judge's name if proven false. Constitution writers tried to balance personal reputation with what citizens need to know, he explained. The law clearly states that the hearings happen behind closed doors, but doesn't ban sharing reasons afterward.
Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh from CDD-Ghana called for more openness about these procedures earlier. His comments came after President Mahama suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, which stirred political debate across the country.
The current system follows Article 146 of Ghana's 1992 Constitution. This section tells how to remove top judges through a special committee process. According to Dr. Srem-Sai, past cases show that the government sometimes released details once everything was finished.
The justice minister believes the system can protect judges from unfair claims during investigations. At the same time, people can learn outcomes later when appropriate. The debate continues between those wanting immediate transparency and those supporting the current approach.
The rules keep removal hearings private because complaints might damage a judge's name if proven false. Constitution writers tried to balance personal reputation with what citizens need to know, he explained. The law clearly states that the hearings happen behind closed doors, but doesn't ban sharing reasons afterward.
Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh from CDD-Ghana called for more openness about these procedures earlier. His comments came after President Mahama suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, which stirred political debate across the country.
The current system follows Article 146 of Ghana's 1992 Constitution. This section tells how to remove top judges through a special committee process. According to Dr. Srem-Sai, past cases show that the government sometimes released details once everything was finished.
The justice minister believes the system can protect judges from unfair claims during investigations. At the same time, people can learn outcomes later when appropriate. The debate continues between those wanting immediate transparency and those supporting the current approach.
