I won’t follow your path in correcting falsehoods – Kwaku Azar tells Torkornoo

One of the petitioners seeking the removal of suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has responded to her recent media briefing, stressing that he remains committed to the constitutional process and will not publicly refute her claims.

In a statement issued following her televised remarks, Prof Stephen Kwaku Asare, also known as Kwaku Azar, expressed concern after Justice Torkornoo held a press briefing on June 25, which included detailed criticisms of the in-camera Article 146 proceedings and claims of procedural unfairness.

Notably, Justice Torkornoo denounced the lack of transparency, alleged violations of her right to a fair hearing, and described the secrecy as “a fundamental breach of the provisions of the 1992 Constitution.”

The petitioner, however, stated that the Constitution requires such hearings to be conducted in camera, and as a law‑abiding citizen, he will not deviate from those rules, even if it means not responding to statements he believes to be false.

“The Chief Justice is acting in clear breach of the provisions of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, which require the inquiry to be in camera.

“As a law-abiding citizen and out of respect for the constitutional process and the Committee, I will not seek to go on the path of the suspended Chief Justice, not even to correct plain falsehoods in her statements.”

He added that when it’s legally appropriate to address the public about the petition or the process, he will do so, but until then, he will respect the confidentiality of the proceedings and allow the committee to complete its work.