Amid growing public interest in the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Sackey Torkornoo, Government Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu has pushed back against claims that the presidency breached confidentiality, insisting that the seat of government has handled the matter with strict constitutional discipline.
At a press briefing held on June 25, Kwakye Ofosu made it clear that President John Dramani Mahama has kept the entire process firmly within the boundaries of the 1992 Constitution, particularly under Article 146, which outlines procedures for dealing with allegations against senior judges.
He categorically denied any suggestion that the presidency had released or hinted at the contents of the petitions brought against the Chief Justice.
His remarks come on the heels of the Chief Justice’s own public response earlier the same day, where she voiced strong objections about the legality and impartiality of the process being used against her. In particular, Justice Torkornoo questioned the neutrality of Justice Gabriel Pwamang, who is heading the investigative committee, due to his past involvement in a related case.
But the government remains unshaken. According to Kwakye Ofosu, the only information made public has been procedural, limited to steps taken by the President in compliance with the Constitution, and not the substance of the petitions themselves.
He emphasized that the presidency has not made any disclosures that could compromise the integrity or confidentiality of the ongoing investigation.
Justice Torkornoo’s suspension earlier this month followed a series of petitions alleging abuse of judicial authority and misconduct. Once the petitions were received, the presidency, in line with legal requirements, referred the matter to the Council of State. After deliberation, the Council recommended the establishment of a special committee to look into the accusations.
While the process has drawn public scrutiny, especially following the Chief Justice’s rare public statement, the presidency has opted for deliberate silence, preferring to let the constitutional process play out. Kwakye Ofosu reiterated that this discretion is not evasion but rather respect for due process.
He concluded by reaffirming the government’s resolve to protect the integrity of the judiciary and uphold the rule of law, cautioning against undue speculation and assuring Ghanaians that the process remains impartial, confidential, and entirely legal.
