The Presidency has dismissed claims made by suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo suggesting political interference in the ongoing impeachment proceedings against her.
Addressing the media, Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, expressed disappointment at the Chief Justice’s press conference, describing her remarks as “regrettable” and potentially damaging to a constitutionally grounded process.
Kwakye Ofosu reiterated that President John Dramani Mahama has acted strictly in accordance with Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, which governs the removal of justices. “The President has kept fidelity to the Constitution from the beginning,” he said, stressing that there is no political agenda behind the process.
The Presidency’s rebuttal comes in the wake of Justice Torkornoo’s public criticism of the impeachment proceedings. She described the process as opaque and unfair, and insisted her refusal to resign was based on legal and ethical grounds, arguing that stepping down would validate what she sees as a flawed system.
But the Presidency pushed back against this narrative, warning that attempts to politicize the matter could erode public confidence in constitutional governance. “Any claim, any inference of a political motive to the President in respect of these processes are unfounded, false and cannot be allowed to stand,” Kwakye Ofosu stated.
He also noted the irony in the Chief Justice’s position, pointing out that she administered the oath of office to President Mahama, who in turn has pledged to uphold the very Constitution now under scrutiny. “To attempt to cast aspersions on the Presidency is most unfortunate,” he added.
The Presidency emphasized that the investigative process — including the formation of a committee to examine the petitions — is a constitutional mandate that cannot be circumvented or halted based on public sentiment or personal dissatisfaction.
As the Article 146 process continues behind closed doors, the Executive called on all parties to respect institutional boundaries and allow the process to reach its logical conclusion without undue influence.
The unfolding standoff highlights a growing institutional tension between the judiciary and the executive, with wider implications for perceptions of judicial independence and the integrity of Ghana’s democratic processes.
