Minister of State in Charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has strongly defended President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to suspend Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
According to him, the President’s decision to suspended the Chief Justice is firmly grounded in constitutional provisions.
In an interview, Kwakye Ofosu emphasized that the suspension should not be misconstrued as a declaration of guilt.
He described it as a necessary constitutional step to ensure due process.
“I’m not sure how abiding by the Constitution becomes a bad precedent. President Mahama took an oath to stay true and loyal and abide by the 1992 Constitution. That is what he has done in this instance”.
He further explained that the President’s actions were guided by the Constitution, which mandates the establishment of a five-member committee to investigate the allegations.
According to the presidency communication signed by the Minister of Government Communication, John Mahama suspended the Chief Justice following a prima facie case being determined against her by the Council of State.
Part of the statement read, “President John Dramani Mahama has, in accordance with Article 146(6) of the Constitution and in consultation with the Council of State, determined that a prima facie case has been established in respect of three petitions against the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo.
he President has consequently, established a committee in compliance with Article 146(6) of the Constitution and in consultation with the Council of State with the following composition to inquire into the petitions which have been referred to them”.
The committee is composed as follows:
Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, Justice of the Supreme Court – Chairman
Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu Asiedu, Justice of the Supreme Court – Member
Daniel Yaw Domelevo, Former Auditor-General – Member
Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo, Ghana Armed Forces – Member
Professor James Sefah Dzisah, Associate Professor, University of Ghana – Member
Meanwhile, the specific allegations contained in the petitions have not been publicly disclosed.
Chief Justice Torkonoo was sworn in on June 12, 2023, becoming the 15th Chief Justice and the third female to hold the position in Ghana’s history.
Justice Torkornoo is a seasoned legal practitioner and judge with over two decades of experience on the bench.
She was first appointed as a Justice of the High Court in 2004, then elevated to the Court of Appeal in 2012, and finally to the Supreme Court in 2019.
Before her judicial appointments, she worked in private legal practice.
