The first report from the Article 146 Committee of Inquiry, which is looking into three petitions to remove Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, was delivered to President John Dramani Mahama this morning.
The Committee’s Chair, Justice Gabriel Pwamang, presented the report during a brief ceremony at the Presidency. He stated that the panel avoided public comment despite “blatant false statements made about members of the committee and our work” and that the panel worked in camera in accordance with Article 146(7).
He pointed out that “in camera proceedings are not the same as in secret,” stating that certain procedural information could be disclosed without revealing the content.
Thirteen witnesses testified in favor of the petitioner in the first petition, which was submitted by Mr. Daniel Ofori.
Twelve witnesses, including experts, were called by the Chief Justice, who also testified and was subjected to cross-examination.
Approximately 10,000 pages of documentary exhibits from both sides were presented to the panel overall. There were four attorneys 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,” the Chair said, before delivering the sealed envelope containing the suggestion to the President.
The Chair revealed that the Chief Justice and the second petitioner asked for the second petition to be adjourned, and the committee agreed.
“Accordingly, we shall be reporting on the second and third petitions in due time,” he said.
Source: newsthemegh.com