The Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has accused the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) of calling for a blatant breach of the 1992 Constitution by demanding the reinstatement of suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Top Story on Monday, June 30, Mr. Ofosu described the GBA’s appeal, made during the memorial for the murdered High Court judges, as “surprising” and “unconstitutional.”
He argued that the constitutional process initiated against the suspended Chief Justice must not be abandoned out of sentiment or symbolism, regardless of the individual involved.
“How then can it be said that because somebody occupies a certain position, even when the Constitution dictates specific processes… those processes must be abandoned because of the sensitivity of the position? I don’t think that is proper,” he stated.
Mr. Ofosu warned that the GBA’s call risks undermining the very legal order the Association is supposed to uphold.
“They are essentially saying that justice should remove its blindfold simply because of who is involved,” he said.
He also dismissed comparisons between the ongoing investigation into petitions against Justice Torkornoo and the 1982 murders of judges as an “emotional abuse” of the moment.
“If we get to a juncture where no matter one’s position in Ghana, you can be subjected to due process, it will mean a triumph of governance in this country,” he added.
Mr. Ofosu stressed that President John Mahama acted in strict accordance with the Constitution in suspending the Chief Justice pending the committee’s inquiry.
Justice Torkornoo was suspended after a prima facie case was established following petitions, in line with Article 146 procedures.
The suspension has sparked mixed reactions, with some civil society groups and legal bodies, including the GBA, urging restraint or reversal to protect judicial independence.
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