“No Political Motive Behind CJ Removal” – Kwakye Ofosu
Gov’t Communications Minister dismisses claims of bias in Justice Torkornoo’s impeachment process
- Gov’t denies political interference in the impeachment process of suspended Chief Justice
- Kwakye Ofosu says due process is being followed under the 1992 Constitution
- Justice Torkornoo alleges violations of her rights
Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, has firmly denied that politics is playing any role in the impeachment process against Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, who is currently suspended. He dismissed such allegations as baseless and contrary to the facts.
Speaking to the press on Wednesday, June 25—shortly after Justice Torkornoo publicly condemned the proceedings—Kwakye Ofosu emphasized that the process strictly adheres to legal and constitutional procedures, not partisan agendas.
“No matter how high your office, if the law prescribes a response to alleged misconduct, then due process must follow. That’s exactly what President Mahama has upheld. Any accusation of political bias or interference is completely unfounded and must be rejected,” he stated.
His remarks came in the wake of Justice Torkornoo’s emotional press conference, where she accused the investigative committee of infringing upon her rights and undermining judicial independence. She cited several procedural irregularities, including:
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Lack of legal representation during the initial hearing,
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Unclear charges,
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Inability to confront petitioners, and
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Being subjected to invasive searches without family support.
She warned that these actions threaten the core principles of justice in Ghana.
Justice Torkornoo was suspended on April 22, 2025, after President Mahama, in line with Article 146(10) of the Constitution and advice from the Council of State, initiated a formal investigation into multiple misconduct petitions. A five-member committee, per Article 146(6), was tasked with the inquiry. The hearings are being conducted privately, as is customary for such sensitive proceedings—though Torkornoo has criticized the approach as secretive and intimidating.
Despite filing four legal challenges to stop the process, all her attempts were dismissed by the Supreme Court.
While the Chief Justice’s claims have sparked debate among legal experts and civil society groups, Kwakye Ofosu insists there’s no credible evidence of political interference.
“As of now, no proof whatsoever has been presented to back claims of political influence. The process remains rooted in law, not politics,” he affirmed.
