The Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has clarified that President John Mahama's decision to suspend the Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo, does not in any way suggest she is guilty of the allegations brought against her.
Speaking on JoyNews' The Pulse on Tuesday, April 22, Mr Kwakye Ofosu stated that the suspension is a constitutional step meant to allow due process, and not a verdict on the Chief Justice's conduct.
Read also: Mahama suspends Chief Justice after setting up committee to probe petitions "The President has not, by this step, that the Chief Justice is guilty of any offense or any of the claims contained in the petition," he stated. "The President is only enjoined by law after having determined prima facie to set up a committee to look into the allegations and offer the Chief Justice every available opportunity to answer to these claims in detail." According to him, three separate petitions were submitted to the President, each alleging various forms of wrongdoing by the Chief Justice and calling for her removal.
Read also: Council of State advice on Chief Justice suspension was poisonous - Tuah-Yeboah He explained that Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution lays out a clear process for such situations, which the President has strictly adhered to. "In doing so, the president rightfully requested the Chief Justice to present responses after she had been served with copies of the petition.
