Edudzi Tameklo rubbishes CCTV footage alleging Thaddeus Sory–judges meeting

Background to the allegation
Edudzi Kudzo Tameklo, Director of Legal Affairs for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has provided a rebuttal to claims surrounding a CCTV video purportedly showing a meeting between Lawyer Thaddeus Sory and certain Supreme Court justices. The allegations, circulated by figures associated with the New Patriotic Party (NPP), suggest an improper interaction in relation to the ongoing petition to remove Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

Characterisation of the alleged event
Tameklo described the purported meeting—framed in media reports as a “dinner”—as a gross misrepresentation. He accused NPP-affiliated commentators of using the footage to fabricate a narrative intended to cast doubt on the impartiality of judicial proceedings.

Content and interpretation of the CCTV footage
Tameklo outlined the contents of the CCTV footage, which is divided into two segments labelled “restaurant” and “entrance”. He provided the following observations:

• No evidence of a formal meeting:
  The footage shows Thaddeus Sory dining with businessman Kotei Dzani. Subsequently, three individuals, including Justice Yoni Kulendi, enter the restaurant. Justice Kulendi briefly greets Sory and Dzani before proceeding to another table.
• Professional courtesy, not impropriety:
  Tameklo asserted that Sory’s subsequent greeting to another judge was a routine act of courtesy customary between members of the Bar and Bench, lasting less than one minute.
• Clarification:
  Justice Pwamang, whom some reports implicated, does not appear in the video. Justice Asiedu, also mentioned, initially walked past Sory without recognising him and only exchanged greetings after being alerted by Justice Kulendi.
• Second clip confirms transparency:
  The “entrance” footage shows a straightforward entry and exit by the judges, undermining any suggestion of secrecy or coordination.

‘Poisonous allegations’ and public appeal
Tameklo concluded that the interaction depicted in the video cannot legally or ethically be construed as a clandestine meeting. He urged the public to critically assess the evidence and reject what he called “poisonous allegations” meant to politicise the judiciary.

Call to uphold judicial integrity
Describing the event as “a simple moment of civility,” Tameklo called on media houses and political operatives to desist from damaging the reputations of legal professionals without substantiated claims.

“Be the Judge” – A public challenge
In a final remark, Tameklo invited citizens to view the footage independently, affirming that any reasonable interpretation would reveal no wrongdoing—merely professional decorum in a public setting.

CJ C’ttee petition: Mahama has more pressing issues to tackle”, not “a 20-second restaurant encounter” – Ansa-Asare

“Let the law work”: Ansa-Asare defends integrity of CJ probe Committee amid restaurant controversy

In the thick of political and judicial tension surrounding the ongoing probe into Ghana’s suspended Chief Justice, a fresh wave of controversy emerged over a brief restaurant encounter. But prominent legal luminary Kwaku Ansa-Asare, former Director of the Ghana School of Law, insists the drama is being overstretched — and Ghana has far more pressing issues to tackle.

A petition, restaurant, and a 20-second interaction

The latest twist came on May 19, when a citizen petitioned President John Dramani Mahama, urging the dissolution of the five-member committee investigating Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. The basis? Alleged ethical breaches stemming from a reported meeting between two committee members — Justices Gabriel Pwamang and Samuel Adibu-Asiedu — and lawyer Thaddeus Sory at a restaurant in Accra.

The meeting, which allegedly took place on May 15 — the very day in-camera hearings began — raised eyebrows among some judicial watchers. But after reviewing CCTV footage of the event, Ansa-Asare is calling for calm, arguing that the encounter was brief, innocent, and irrelevant to the probe.

Ansa-Asare: “Let’s not waste the President’s time”

Speaking on Joy News’ The Pulse, Ansa-Asare dismissed the counter-petition as lacking legal or ethical weight.

“Asking the president to dissolve the committee probing the petition merely because of a 20-second encounter at a restaurant where the people had converged to celebrate their colleague’s birthday — I think it should be dismissed,” he said. “The president has more serious problems to tackle.”

To him, the attempt to derail the proceedings over what appears to be a coincidental social gathering is a distraction from the larger legal process that must be allowed to run its course.

No case against Justice Pwamang, minimal basis for Justice Asiedu

Ansa-Asare was particularly critical of allegations against Justice Pwamang, who, according to the footage, was not present at the restaurant at all.

“The allegations against Justice Pwamang are frivolous,” he said.

As for Justice Adibu-Asiedu, who was seen briefly speaking with lawyer Thaddeus Sory, Ansa-Asare was equally dismissive of claims of misconduct.

“What can four or so people talk about in 20 seconds?” he asked. “We have all seen that the conversation was not about the ongoing petition. It doesn’t measure up to the standard [of misconduct].”

Legal integrity depends on facts, not speculation

Reiterating the need for facts in legal assessments, Ansa-Asare cautioned against drawing far-reaching conclusions from minimal interactions.

“Legal challenges to judicial impartiality must be based on substantive evidence, not fleeting interactions,” he emphasized. “This is a question of fact, and such facts depend heavily on context and circumstance.”

The bigger picture: Rule of Law must prevail

While the political and judicial optics of the situation may seem controversial, Ansa-Asare’s message is clear: Ghana’s legal processes are robust, and they should be allowed to function without political interference or undue speculation.

As the committee continues its work, the former law school director’s remarks serve as a reminder that in the realm of justice, process matters — and distractions, however sensational, must not derail the path of the rule of law.