A leading activist of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), P.K. Sarpong, has strongly criticised the Justice Gabriel Pwamang-led Article 146 Committee for what he described as a “betrayal of trust” following the leakage of testimonies from high-profile witnesses to the media.

The Committee, established by former President John Mahama to probe a petition seeking the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, had earlier assured witnesses that the hearings would be conducted strictly in-camera.

According to Mr Sarpong, retired Chief Justices Sophia Akuffo and Kwasi Anin Yeboah, together with respected legal figures including Nana Dr S.K.B. Asante, Justice Jones Dotse, and veteran lawyer Samuel Okudzeto, had all volunteered to appear before the Committee in confidence.

Their willingness, he argued, was premised on the Committee’s assurances that proceedings would not be made public.

He described the subsequent leakage of their testimonies as “a clear exhibition of bad faith.”

Mr Sarpong further questioned what he termed the “double standards” of the Committee.

He noted that Chief Justice Torkornoo herself had made several legal attempts for her hearing to be broadcast live, but the Committee rejected her pleas and insisted on a closed-door process.

“Is it not ironic that the one who wanted her hearing televised is denied, yet the testimonies of former Chief Justices and other jurists have been leaked?” he asked.

The NPP activist has since demanded an unqualified apology from the Committee to the former Chief Justices and other eminent jurists affected by the leak.

He has also called for an independent investigation to uncover the source of the breach and for punitive measures to be taken against the culprit.

Until then, Mr Sarpong maintains that he will continue to believe the leakage was sanctioned at the highest level of the Committee.