The government has pushed back against accusations of political persecution levelled by suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, insisting that her suspension is rooted entirely in the constitutional process, not political interference.
Speaking at an emergency press briefing held at Jubilee House on Wednesday, Government Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu dismissed what he called “misplaced assertions” made during the Chief Justice’s own media appearance barely an hour earlier.
According to Kwakye Ofosu, President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to suspend Justice Torkornoo was strictly guided by Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, which outlines the appropriate procedure for addressing misconduct allegations against high-ranking judicial officers. He emphasised that neither political bias nor external influence played any role in the matter.
Justice Torkornoo had earlier taken the unusual step of publicly challenging the legitimacy of the disciplinary proceedings against her, describing them as opaque, unconstitutional, and politically engineered. She also vowed not to step down, arguing that doing so would validate a flawed and unjust process.
In her address, the suspended Chief Justice warned that the situation posed a serious threat to Ghana’s democratic integrity. “This bizarre process is a twist in our democratic journey we cannot afford to ignore,” she cautioned.
Kwakye Ofosu, however, rejected the narrative of persecution, clarifying that measures taken during the investigation, including security protocols at Osu Castle, were standard procedures applied to sensitive and high-profile cases, not targeted intimidation tactics.
He further noted that all steps taken so far align with Ghana’s legal framework and that the administration remains committed to upholding the rule of law, regardless of who is involved.
As public debate around the issue intensifies, the government has reiterated its position: the Constitution, not political interest, remains the guiding authority in the ongoing process.
