Judicial service of Ghana (JSG) has responded to media reports suggesting that recent judicial transfers, including that of Justice Priscilla Dikro Ofori, were intended to disrupt the Special Prosecutor’s trial of Alex Kwabena Safo Kantanka.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, the JSG clarified that these transfers are part of standard administrative procedures and are not intended to interfere with any ongoing legal processes.
The JSG explained that judicial transfers are a routine part of the annual process or occur when necessary and are not meant to disrupt the progress of any specific cases.
The statement also emphasized that transferred judges are required to complete trials that are nearing conclusion and to deliver judgments in cases that have already been resolved.
“As part of the process, transferred judges must submit a Case Completion Plan to the Chief Justice’s office. This ensures they are authorised to deliver any pending judgments,” the JSG noted.
Justice Ofori, who was reassigned from Kumasi to Accra as part of the 2024 legal year transfers, followed the standard protocol by submitting her Case Completion Plan on November 29, 2024.
She has been granted permission to finalize any cases that are close to completion, according to the statement.
The JSG further clarified that Justice Ofori’s transfer is part of a wider movement involving over 20 judges across various court levels and is unrelated to the trial of Safo Kantanka.
The service urged the public to disregard claims suggesting any deliberate attempt to obstruct the judicial process.
Additionally, the JSG appealed to media outlets to prioritize responsible and accurate reporting, urging journalists to verify all claims before publication to prevent the spread of misinformation.
