Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has strongly rejected suggestions that political considerations are influencing the ongoing impeachment proceedings against suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, describing such claims as “unfounded” and without merit.
Addressing the public shortly after Justice Torkornoo’s press briefing on Wednesday, June 25, he maintained that the process is being guided strictly by law and due process, not political interest.
Felix Kwakye Ofosu
“It does not matter how sensitive your position, once Ghanaian law dictates that certain processes must be taken in respect of alleged misconduct, the rules must come into play. That is the only guiding principle President Mahama has operated by in all of this. Any claim, reference, or imputation of a political motive to the President in respect of these processes is unfounded, false, and cannot be allowed to stand,” he said.
His remarks came in direct response to a statement delivered earlier by Chief Justice Torkornoo, who alleged that the ongoing proceedings violate natural justice, procedural fairness, and the dignity of her office.
At a press conference in Accra, the Chief Justice claimed the investigative committee had:
- Denied her legal representation on the first day of hearings,
- Failed to specify the charges against her,
- Prevented key petitioners from testifying, and
- Subjected her to invasive searches and denied access to family support during proceedings.
“These violations have not stopped. Indeed, they have escalated beyond anything I could have imagined as possible in justice delivery,” she said, warning that the process threatens “the very foundation of judicial independence in Ghana.”
Justice Torkornoo was suspended from office on April 22, 2025, after President Mahama acted on a prima facie determination made in consultation with the Council of State. This action triggered Article 146(10) of the 1992 Constitution, which allows the President to suspend a Chief Justice while a formal investigation into alleged misconduct is conducted.
Following constitutional protocol under Article 146(6), a five-member committee was formed to investigate the multiple petitions filed against her. The committee’s proceedings are being held in-camera, a standard practice for such investigations, though one that Justice Torkornoo has publicly criticised as opaque and intimidating.
Her efforts to halt the proceedings through the courts, including four separate legal actions, were all dismissed by the Supreme Court.
While Justice Torkornoo’s public allegations have raised concerns among some civil society groups and segments of the legal fraternity, the government insists that the process remains constitutionally grounded and politically neutral.
“As yet, absolutely no evidence has been furnished in any way, shape, or form to support allegations of political interference,” Kwakye Ofosu asserted.. Source:Patricia Boakye
