Respect Article146 -Kufuor’s former Lawyer to Suspended CJ

Victoria Bright,  former Legal Advisor to Ghana’s former President John Agyekum Kufuor, has expressed deep concern over what she describes as a breach of constitutional decorum by suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo. Bright’s remarks follow a recent press conference by Justice Torkornoo, in which the embattled Chief Justice questioned the confidentiality of her ongoing impeachment proceedings.

Constitutional clash: Article 146 in focus

Speaking during a panel discussion on JoyNews’ flagship programme, Newsfile, Victoria Bright emphasized that Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution clearly stipulates that impeachment proceedings involving a Chief Justice must be conducted in camera—that is, privately and without public or media scrutiny.

“I would have wished that she respected the constitutional procedures emanating from Article 146, which require these proceedings to be held in camera,” Bright asserted during the discussion.

She added that Justice Torkornoo’s public outburst was troubling, particularly because it comes at a time when only one side of the story—her own—is being widely heard.

Torkornoo’s argument: Transparency vs confidentiality

In her press conference last week, Justice Torkornoo criticized the secretive nature of the proceedings, claiming the allegations against her do not touch on national security and thus do not warrant private hearings.

However, Victoria Bright argued that the rule of law and due process must prevail, regardless of whether the subject finds the process just or not.

“We are only hearing her side at the moment, and the panel comprises eminent individuals capable of evaluating the facts impartially,” Bright noted.

Concerns over undermining judicial integrity

Victoria Bright also questioned whether the suspended Chief Justice’s public comments could be seen as an attempt to undermine or sway the integrity of the process.

“Has this whole thing not been put in the bosom of the President of the Republic, acting in conjunction with the Council of State?” she asked rhetorically.

She reminded viewers that the five-member committee overseeing the impeachment process includes senior justices and independent experts, and that Justice Torkornoo, despite her stature, is not above the constitutional framework guiding the proceedings.

“One person cannot rewrite the rules”

In her sharpest critique yet, Bright stated:

“Why is one person—yes, she’s the Chief Justice, a justice of the Supreme Court—but it’s not subject to one person’s interpretation. We have to respect that this has been entrusted to someone else, not her. You can’t just get up and make your own rules.”

A test for constitutional maturity

The unfolding saga marks a significant moment in Ghana’s democratic journey, as constitutional interpretation, judicial conduct, and public accountability intersect. While public opinion remains divided, legal experts like Victoria Bright are urging caution, maturity, and above all, respect for the rule of law.

As the impeachment process unfolds, many will be watching to see not just the outcome, but how the country’s institutions manage this delicate test of constitutional order.

Victoria Bright reacts to Asiedu Nketia’s criticism of EC

The Legal expert and public advocate Victoria Bright has called for greater honesty and responsibility in Ghana’s electoral processes, following recent criticisms directed at the Electoral Commission (EC) by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia.

Speaking up for democratic integrity

Appearing on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, Bright stressed the necessity of addressing hard truths to preserve the foundations of democracy.

“The law is the law, and I think we have to speak truth to ourselves,” she asserted.

She encouraged a culture of candid reflection, saying,

“If things have not gone as they should, we should have a conviction to actually come out and speak the truth basically.”

Concern over lack of representation

Bright expressed deep concern over the prolonged lack of representation in certain constituencies, including SALL describing it as a troubling failure of the democratic system.

“I have not been happy with the fact that people have been left unrepresented for four years,” she said.
“And I don’t believe that anybody can be happy about that.”

She suggested that such neglect undermines public trust and creates frustration among citizens.

Reflecting on Ayawaso-West Wuogon violence

In her comments, Bright also revisited the violent scenes of the 2019 Ayawaso-West Wuogon by-election, which sparked national outrage and raised questions about the safety and fairness of elections in Ghana.

“We all saw the violence in Ayawaso-West Wuogon as well. That was terrible,” she recalled, highlighting the urgent need for reforms to ensure electoral peace and security.

Background: Asiedu Nketia’s criticism of the EC

Victoria Bright’s remarks come on the heels of a forceful critique by NDC Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia. On Wednesday, June 25, Nketia launched a blistering attack on the Electoral Commission, declaring its leadership unfit for their roles and demanding their dismissal.

A call for reform and responsibility

In light of these developments, Bright’s call serves as a reminder that Ghana’s democratic future relies on transparent institutions, accountable leadership, and the courage to confront systemic issues without political bias.