Kwakye Ofosu: CJ probe not politically motivated

Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has firmly rejected claims that political motives are behind the impeachment proceedings against suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

Speaking shortly after Justice Torkornoo’s press briefing on Wednesday, June 25, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu described her allegations as baseless and insisted the government is following legal and constitutional procedures.

“It does not matter how sensitive your position is. Once Ghanaian law dictates a process for addressing alleged misconduct, those rules must apply,” he said.

“President Mahama has strictly adhered to the law. Any suggestion of political interference is false and should not be entertained.”

CJ Torkornoo Raises Alarm Over Proceedings

Earlier that day, Justice Torkornoo held a press conference where she accused the investigative committee of violating her rights and undermining judicial independence.

She outlined several concerns, including:

1. Denial of legal representation during the first hearing,
2. Lack of clarity on the charges,
3. Exclusion of key witnesses,
4. Invasive searches and denial of access to family during proceedings.

“These violations have escalated beyond anything I could have imagined,” she warned, adding that the process threatens judicial independence.

The Constitutional Context

Justice Torkornoo was suspended on April 22, 2025, after President Mahama acted on advice from the Council of State under Article 146(10) of the Constitution. A five-member committee was then formed, as required under Article 146(6), to investigate multiple misconduct petitions.

The committee’s in-camera proceedings, though constitutionally allowed, have been criticized by the CJ as lacking transparency. Her four legal challenges to halt the process were all dismissed by the Supreme Court.

Government Maintains Neutrality

Mr. Kwakye Ofosu maintained that the process is grounded in the Constitution and free from political interference. “There is no evidence whatsoever to support claims of political involvement,” he said.

While civil society groups and members of the legal community continue to monitor the situation closely, the government insists the ongoing process reflects accountability within the bounds of the law.

Read also: awakenews.com.gh/gertrude-torkornoo-resigning-not-an-option-amid-probe/