Deputy Director-General of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), Alexander Twum-Barimah, has defended the constitutional process leading to the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, rejecting claims that she was denied a fair hearing.
Speaking on the matter, Mr. Twum-Barimah maintained that the procedures outlined in the 1992 Constitution were followed, stressing that the suspended Chief Justice was served with the petitions against her and given the opportunity to respond before any further action was taken.
According to him, Madam Torkornoo has acknowledged receiving the petitions, with her concerns relating to the timing of the service rather than a denial of the right to be heard. He noted that she was given about 10 days to study the allegations and prepare her response, adding that her written response had already entered the public domain before it was formally submitted to the President.
Mr. Twum-Barimah dismissed assertions that the process violated the principles of natural justice, insisting that the fundamental requirement was to afford the Chief Justice an opportunity to present her side of the matter. He argued that once that opportunity was provided, claims that she was not heard could not be sustained.
He also defended the security measures implemented during the proceedings, describing them as routine protocols that should not be misconstrued as evidence of unfair treatment or prejudice. According to him, security screening is a standard practice applied to everyone, regardless of status.
Responding to allegations of bias against members of the committee handling the petitions, Mr. Twum-Barimah said such claims must be supported by credible evidence. He maintained that allegations alone are insufficient to establish bias and insisted that the constitutional process had been conducted in accordance with the law.
His comments come in the wake of the ECOWAS Court of Justice’s decision to dismiss an application filed by the suspended Chief Justice in relation to the ongoing proceedings. The ruling has renewed public debate over the legality and fairness of the process leading to her suspension.
Story by Freedom Etsey Lavoe