Retired Supreme Court Justice William Atuguba has criticized former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo, stating that her decision to speak publicly about proceedings at a committee meeting breaches Article 89 of the 1992 Constitution. According to Justice Atuguba, Justice Akuffo is bound by an oath of secrecy that prohibits her from disclosing confidential information discussed during committee meetings.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy surrounds Justice Akuffo’s recent remarks on the process of removing a Chief Justice, as outlined in Article 146 of the Constitution. She described the process as “unfair” and called for reforms to make it more stringent, including granting the Chief Justice the right to appeal any decision made by the investigative committee. Her comments have sparked a heated debate, with some questioning her motives and consistency on the issue.
Reaction from Martin Amidu
Former Special Prosecutor Martin Amidu has also weighed in on the issue, criticizing Justice Akuffo for her perceived inconsistency. Amidu argues that Justice Akuffo’s current stance on the removal process contradicts her previous actions, where she benefitted from or actively participated in the same process. He questions the timing and context of her comments, suggesting that they may be an attempt to delegitimize the outcomes of an ongoing constitutional process.
Implications of the Controversy
The controversy highlights ongoing debates about the independence of the judiciary, the role of former judges in public discourse, and the need for constitutional reforms. As the discussion continues, it remains to be seen how these issues will be addressed and what implications they will have for Ghana’s constitutional framework.