By Ashiadey Dotse
The Minister-nominee for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has defended his criticism of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, saying his comments were made in good faith during his meeting with the parliamentary appointment committee on Thursday, January 30, 2025.
Mr. George explained that he believed the Chief Justice deliberately delayed a Supreme Court case on the anti-LGBTQ Bill. The case sought to stop former President Akufo-Addo from signing the bill into law.
The Ningo-Prampram MP had previously accused Justice Torkornoo of slowing down the hearing of a lawsuit filed by journalist and lawyer Richard Dela Sky. On October 8, 2024, Sam George led a protest, demanding that the Chief Justice set a clear timeline for the case.
When questioned about his remarks by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Mr. George insisted that his criticism was “constructive” and aimed at ensuring accountability. He argued that public officials, including the Chief Justice, are not above the law and should be open to scrutiny.
He clarified that his concern was not about how judges were selected for the case but rather the delay in hearing it. He added that once the Chief Justice later set a timeline, the case progressed faster, proving his point that she had the power to speed up the process.
However, the Minority Leader challenged Mr. George’s position, questioning whether it was fair for him to publicly criticise the Chief Justice when he was not directly involved in the case.
Mr. George stood by his comments, emphasising that his concerns were about ensuring justice and accountability in the judicial system.
