Presidency has maintained full confidentiality in CJ suspension probe – Kwakye Ofosu

Government Spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has strongly defended the presidency’s handling of the ongoing proceedings involving the suspended Chief Justice.

According to him, President John Mahama has adhered strictly to constitutional requirements, particularly regarding confidentiality.

Addressing the media on Wednesday, June 25, Mr Kwakye Ofosu dismissed suggestions that the Office of the President had breached confidentiality protocols in the matter concerning Justice Gertrude Araba Sackey Torkornoo.

“In terms of confidentiality, the president has acted strictly in accordance with the Constitution,” he said.

“At no point in time has the presidency put out anything in any way, shape or form that remotely resembles any of the contents of the petition,” he continued.

His remarks come in the wake of the suspended CJ’s recent decision to publicly address the circumstances surrounding her suspension.

Addressing the media on June 25, Justice Torkornoo raised concerns over due process and constitutional compliance, questioning both the formation of the investigative committee and the manner in which proceedings have been conducted.

However, the government maintains that every step taken thus far has been grounded in the legal framework laid out under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, which outlines the procedure for dealing with petitions for the removal of superior court judges, including the Chief Justice.

“The only communication that has gone out on this matter has been about the steps that the president has taken in accordance with the 1992 Constitution — Article 146, to be precise,” Mr Kwakye Ofosu stressed.

Justice Torkornoo was suspended earlier this month after multiple petitions were submitted alleging misconduct and abuse of judicial authority.

In line with constitutional provisions, the President referred the matter to the Council of State, which subsequently recommended the establishment of a committee to investigate the claims.

Justice Gabriel Pwamang of the Supreme Court was appointed as chair of the investigative body, a decision which has since drawn criticism from the Chief Justice herself due to his prior involvement in a related case — a development she argues compromises the impartiality of the inquiry.

Government insists that it has not, and will not, disclose the contents of the petitions or interfere with the committee’s work.

Mr Kwakye Ofosu emphasised the importance of safeguarding institutional credibility by allowing the process to unfold within the confines of the law.

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