A former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice in the erstwhile Kufuor administration, Hon. Joe Ghartey has admonished that the impeachment process of Judges alleged to have compromised their positions their line of duty must be held in-camera to help save the integrity of the service.
As the clock tickles for the yet to be released gargantuan act at the Judiciary by Anas Aremeyaw Anas, many are of the view that hearing of the suspected Judges be held in public and subsequently removed from their respective offices if found guilty to serve as deterrent to others.
Speaking in an interview with Kasapa News on Wednesday, Hon Joe Ghartey who is now the 2nd Deputy Speaker of Parliament said though he does not condone corrupt practices, he believes the in-camera process as demanded by the Constitution of the land must be followed.
“If you look at our Constitution, it says that if you want to impeach a High Court or Superior Court Judge, there is a process that must be followed. In Article 146, the Constitution says that there should be a Committee set up by the Chief Justice to inquire into the matter. The Constitution States that the proceedings must be held in-camera,” he noted.
When asked by Banson whether Anas’ video implicating the Judges should be aired in Public before investigations into their conduct are concluded, he said “it is difficult to say yes or no. There are arguments for and against. Both are compelling. But if you don’t air it too, it becomes difficult.”
Some 34 judges have so far been mentioned as characters in an upcoming video that captures them taking bribes in their line of duty.
Of the number, some have voluntarily returned their official vehicles while others have instantly become sick due to the shame and public mockery.
The investigative piece by Anas Aremeyaw Anas, is seeking to threaten the very sacrosanct nature of the judicial service.
In what is yet, the biggest and most revealing piece of work by the Journalist, the judges, some of whom are seasoned and well respected, are seen accepting bribes to trade off their ethos.
The Chief Justice and Judicial Council have since taken over the matter and suspended 22 Circuit Judges and Magistrates until the final determination of the case by a five-member Disciplinary Committee.
Twelve High Court Judges are also being investigated.
By: Kasapafmonline.com/Ghana
