The government has dismissed claims that the selection of Adu Lounge as the venue for suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo’s disciplinary hearing carries historical or political symbolism.
He labeled any such interpretations by the Justice as disingenuous and undesirable.
Government spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, clarified that the facility was chosen solely for its suitability, not as a deliberate nod to its past associations.
[embedded content]The Adu Lodge, where the hearing is taking place, has long been known for its controversial role in Ghana’s history, specifically its link to the abduction and assassination of three High Court judges and a retired military officer during the early years of Ghana’s Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) regime.
During her earlier press conference, the suspended Chief Justice drew personal connections to the events of 1981, recounting that one of the murdered judicial officers, Major Sam Acquah, was her uncle and legal guardian at the time.
She questioned, “Was Adu Lodge chosen for this inquiry to make me feel insecure? I think so. And I continue to hold the view that there is no reason to hold a quasi-judicial hearing behind the high walls of Adu Lodge.”
[embedded content]However, Kwakye Ofosu rejected this outright, explaining that “the attempt to link the dastardly killings of some Supreme Court judges and a military officer, to this case are most disingenuous.”
“To begin with, this government and President Mahama have nothing to do with the killing of any judge. Secondly, there’s absolutely no nexus between the petitions that have been brought and that unfortunate incident in our past. So any effort to link to is regrettable and should not find space in this sort of discourse. It is most undesirable. It is most unacceptable.”
The spokesperson stressed that the venue’s high-security features and proximity to key judicial offices made it a pragmatic choice, especially given the sensitive nature of the proceedings.
He noted that alternative venues were evaluated, but Adu Lounge’s infrastructure, including privacy provisions for in camera hearings mandated under Article 146 of Ghana’s Constitution, was decisive.
“The impression that a facility in the vicinity of the Osu Castle necessarily makes it intimidating or foreboding is completely misplaced; it is unfair. It is not justified. Now, Adu Lodge is a state facility which houses high-ranking officials. It belongs to the state. The decision to use that place was not that of government or by President Mahama.
“The committee requested that they needed facilities of a certain status that would house their activities and that could facilitate the resolute running of the procedures and that facility was available. It is equipped with modern amenities that will facilitate the work of the community. The state only offered it at the request of the committee. Let me also say that the facility is not intimidating. It is like any regular state facility where business can be conducted to the extent that it is put in the right shape.”
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