Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has denied claims that political motivations are behind the ongoing impeachment proceedings against the suspended Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo.
Speaking to journalists in Accra on Wednesday, Mr Kwakye Ofosu dismissed the allegations as “unfounded” and insisted that the process is being guided strictly by the rule of law and due process.
“It does not matter how sensitive your position is—if the law prescribes certain procedures in response to alleged misconduct, they must be followed,” he said. “Any suggestion of political interference from President Mahama is false and baseless.”
The remarks came hours after Justice Torkornoo held a rare press conference where she accused the investigative committee of breaching her rights and undermining judicial independence.
Among her claims, the Chief Justice said she was:
- Denied legal representation during the initial hearing,
- Not provided with specific charges,
- Barred from calling certain witnesses, and
- Subjected to invasive searches and isolation from family support.
“These violations have not stopped,” she said. “They have escalated beyond anything I imagined possible within a justice system.”
Justice Torkornoo was suspended from her role on 22 April 2025, after President Mahama acted on a prima facie determination of misconduct, in consultation with the Council of State. The move is permitted under Article 146(10) of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.
A five-member committee was subsequently formed to investigate multiple petitions filed against her. The hearings are being held in-camera, a standard but controversial approach that the Chief Justice has labelled as opaque and intimidating.
Her attempts to halt the proceedings through the courts have so far failed, with four separate challenges dismissed by the Supreme Court.
While the case has sparked growing concern among legal professionals and civil society groups, the government has maintained that the process is legitimate and free of political influence.
“To date, no evidence has been presented to suggest political interference in any form,” Mr Kwakye Ofosu said.
Source:TheDotNews