The government has firmly dismissed allegations that the selection of Adu Lodge as the venue for the disciplinary hearing of suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo carries any historical or political symbolism.
Speaking through government spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, officials clarified that the choice of Adu Lodge was purely based on its suitability and logistical convenience, not as a deliberate reference to its historical associations.
Felix Kwakye Ofosu strongly condemned the suspended Chief Justice’s attempt to connect the disciplinary process with the tragic killings of Supreme Court judges and a military officer, describing such claims as “disingenuous” and “undesirable.”
He stated, “This government, led by President Mahama, has no involvement in those past incidents. There is absolutely no connection between the petitions brought before the committee and those unfortunate events. Any attempt to link them is regrettable and should have no place in this discourse.”
Addressing concerns about the venue’s proximity to Osu Castle, the former seat of government, Kwakye Ofosu emphasized that Adu Lodge is a public state facility frequently used to host high-ranking officials visiting Ghana.
He noted that Osu Castle itself remains a public space where official government business is regularly conducted.
He added, “The suggestion that Adu Lodge’s location near Osu Castle makes it intimidating or foreboding is completely misplaced and unfair. The area includes private residences where citizens live and move freely. Adu Lodge is simply a state-owned facility equipped with modern amenities suitable for official proceedings.”
The spokesperson explained that the government did not unilaterally decide on the venue.
Instead, the disciplinary committee requested a facility of a certain standard to facilitate smooth proceedings, and Adu Lodge was the available option meeting those requirements.
He clarified, “The state offered Adu Lodge upon the committee’s request. The venue is not intimidating; it is a regular government facility adapted for official business.”
Kwakye Ofosu further assured that the hearing’s confidentiality is guaranteed by Article 146(8) of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates that such proceedings be held in camera regardless of location.
He said, “Wherever these proceedings were held, it will still be in camera, as clearly stipulated in Article 146(8) of the 1992 Constitution. So that’s the proceedings that are being held in camera. It’s only in compliance with the Constitution. So it doesn’t matter where it is held. And any security measure put in place is only intended to secure the place so that persons who are not authorized to be part of the proceedings do not come there and create any inconvenience.
Kwakye Ofosu continued “I believe that even if the hearings were held at the court’s premises, it will still be under significant security controls to ensure that only authorized persons have access to the place.”
Felix Kwakye Ofosu reiterated the government’s commitment to upholding constitutional procedures and refraining from interfering with the merits of the case.
He remarked “So to describe Adu Lodge in the terms that her leadership, the Chief Justice did, was most unfair and unjustifiable. It seeks to obscure the process and bring in unrelated matters that seek to cast some aspersions or ill motives on government for affording the committee a place to do its work.
“As I indicated, we have no interest in violating the Constitution by going to the merits of the case and that is why government has refrained,” he firmly stated.
Source: www.kumasimail.com /Kwadwo Owusu
