Professor Sharif Mahmud Khalid, Economic Adviser to the Vice President, has stated that the decision to hold proceedings related to the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo in-camera is intended to protect the sanctity and dignity of the office she holds.

He made this assertion while speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile programme on Saturday, 24th May.

According to Prof. Khalid, the sensitive nature of the constitutional process, coupled with the high office involved, necessitates a degree of discretion to avoid unnecessary public spectacle and reputational damage.

“This is not just about an individual; it is about the office of the Chief Justice. We must safeguard the dignity of that office, regardless of who occupies it,” he stressed.

He further explained that an open hearing could risk politicising the process and subject the judiciary to undue public pressure.

“While transparency is important in any democracy, certain constitutional processes require confidentiality to ensure fairness and preserve institutional integrity,” Prof. Khalid noted, urging Ghanaians to trust the legal process.