Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to President John Dramani Mahama and Minister for Government Communications, has clarified that the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo does not amount to a declaration of her guilt.
Speaking in an interview with JoyNews shortly after the announcement of the suspension, Mr. Ofosu emphasized that the President’s decision was purely constitutional and procedural. According to him, President Mahama acted strictly in accordance with the provisions of the 1992 Constitution, particularly Article 146, which governs the processes for investigating allegations against the Chief Justice.
“The suspension of the Chief Justice does not imply that the President is declaring her guilty,” Mr. Ofosu explained. “The President is merely following due constitutional process by suspending her pending the outcome of a formal investigation into the petitions filed against her.”
He further explained that a prima facie case had been established against the Chief Justice after a review of three separate petitions. In line with constitutional requirements, a five-member committee has been constituted to thoroughly investigate the matters raised.
The committee, chaired by Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang of the Supreme Court, includes Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu, former Auditor-General Daniel Yaw Domelevo, Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo of the Ghana Armed Forces, and Professor James Sefah Dzisah of the University of Ghana.
Mr. Ofosu stressed that the Chief Justice’s suspension was necessary to allow for an independent and impartial inquiry, ensuring the integrity of the investigative process without undue influence or interference.
He called on the public to respect the ongoing constitutional process and refrain from making premature judgments until the committee concludes its work and presents its findings.
