Sophia Akuffo Condemns Leak of Testimony in Torkornoo Removal Hearings
Ex-Chief Justice raises alarm over leak of confidential proceedings
- The controversy highlights concerns about transparency, confidentiality, and respect for judicial processes in Ghana.
Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo has sharply criticised the public revelation that she gave evidence before the committee set up to consider the removal of her successor, Gertrude Torkornoo.
Speaking to TV3 on Wednesday, September 3, the respected jurist and Council of State member said she was “outraged” after learning that details of her closed-door appearance had been shared widely online.
Akuffo stressed that the proceedings were supposed to be in-camera, with strict confidentiality. “I entered the process under the assurance of privacy, only to later discover that my testimony had found its way into the public domain,” she lamented.
She explained that she observed no media presence when arriving at the venue, making the leak even more puzzling. “There were no paparazzi, no journalists sneaking around with cameras. So how did this information leak? That is what troubles me deeply,” she noted.
According to her, the disclosure undermined the very spirit of an in-camera process and disrespected judicial protocols. While criticising the leak as “bad faith” and “bad form,” Akuffo clarified that she had no regrets about testifying and would willingly appear again if required.
“It was supposed to be in-camera. Everything was confidential… and then suddenly it is out there in the public domain. That, to me, was done in bad faith.”
— Sophia Akuffo, Former Chief Justice of Ghana
