Director of Legal Affairs for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Godwin Edudzi Kudzo Tameklo, is facing intense public and intra-party condemnation over posting on social media of a video showing a contentious encounter between three Supreme Court judges and prominent lawyer Thaddeus Sory, counsel for petitioners seeking the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
Tameklo, who is also the current Chief Executive the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) and who shared the silent CCTV footage on social media, has been accused of muddying the waters in an already explosive matter that touches on judicial integrity, due process, and public confidence in Ghana’s highest court.
Tameklo later authored an article insisting that the interaction was “nothing untoward.”
However, critics are questioning the foundation of his conclusion, especially as he was not present at the scene and the video lacked sound.
Others noted that the individual who originally petitioned Mahama claimed he was physically present in the restaurant and witnessed the interaction firsthand.
In contrast, Tameklo has not disclosed whether he was present or if he consulted anyone who was.
“Posting a silent video with no additional information and claiming it clears anyone is intellectually dishonest. It undermines public trust in the process,” a legal analyst stated.
Backlash from within the NDC
Significantly, criticism of Tameklo’s actions has come from within his own political party.
Several NDC supporters on social media expressed concern that his post could be interpreted as inadvertently validating the petitioner’s claim that an inappropriate meeting took place.
An advisory tale in the age of social media
The saga also highlights the perils of public legal commentary in an era where sensitive matters can be inflamed, or distorted, by viral videos.
Tameklo’s decision to post a muted clip, presumably to dispel allegations of wrongdoing, has instead intensified calls for accountability.
Without clear communication from the judiciary or corroborated context from those present at the scene, the incident is likely to remain a source of public suspicion and legal scrutiny.
“Monstrous lie” or silent confirmation?
The controversy stems from an earlier claim by a petitioner, Alfred Ababio Kumi, who petitioned President John Dramani Mahama, requesting the dissolution of the committee investigating the Chief Justice.
Kumi had alleged that Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu, a member of the investigative committee, had improperly interacted with Thaddeus Sory.
However, Tameklo’s decision to circulate a silent video showing Thaddeus greeting three Supreme Court justices, including Adibu-Asiedu, at what appears to be a public restaurant has backfired.
The video, intended as a defence, is now being interpreted by many as evidence that contradicts Sory’s earlier denial of the meeting.
The footage showed Thaddeus rising from his table to exchange warm greetings with the justices, including handshakes, hugs, and a bow of respect.
It provided no audio of the interaction, leaving the nature of the conversation and its context entirely to speculation.
A judicial ethics
Beyond political implications, the core questions linger on.
Should a lawyer whose clients are pursuing the removal of a sitting Chief Justice be seen interacting with a Supreme Court Justice who is directly involved in that case?
The video showed Thaddeus Sory engaging with Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu, who sits on the committee investigating the petitions.
He also greeted Justices Henry Anthony Coffie and Yoni Kulendi, one of the judges who is part of majority side of 4-1 decisions against applicants seeking to stop the removal of Chief Justice Torkornoo.
Even though the interaction was brief and seemingly casual, legal analysts say the optics are damaging.
Demand for judicial council probe
Amid growing disquiet, some civil society groups and members of the legal community are calling on the Judicial Council to conduct an independent probe into the encounter.
The broader context of this controversy is the ongoing petition seeking the removal of Chief Justice Torkornoo, a process already fraught with political tension and legal complexity.
The outcome could have significant implications for Ghana’s judiciary and its perceived independence.
Now, with the emergence of this video and the storm surrounding Tameklo’s defence of it, the petition itself risks being overshadowed by controversy over process and propriety.
Mahama yet to respond
President Mahama, to whom the petition to dissolve the committee was addressed, has not publicly responded.
Meanwhile, pressure is mounting on the Judicial Council, the Bar Association, and civil society organizations to address the implications of the video and restore public confidence.
