The Presidency has come out strongly in defense of the removal proceedings of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, dismissing her public criticisms as “most unfair and unjustifiable”. Government spokesman Felix Kwakye Ofosu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to constitutional processes, emphasizing that judicial officers cannot receive special treatment when facing allegations of wrongdoing.
Venue Selection Justified on Security Grounds
Ofosu explained that the choice of Adu Lodge as the venue for the proceedings was necessitated by security considerations, regardless of location. He noted that even if the hearings were held at the court premises, they would still be under significant security controls to ensure only authorized persons have access. The spokesman dismissed Torkornoo’s allegations about the symbolic significance of Adu Lodge in relation to the PNDC-era judges’ murders as an attempt to “obscure the system”.
Government Denies Responsibility for Document Leaks
The government firmly rejected responsibility for petition documents entering the public domain, instead pointing fingers at media houses allegedly aligned with Torkornoo’s position. Ofosu revealed that President John Mahama had lamented the way some correspondence around the matter got into the media, with the first sign of leakage occurring when Torkornoo’s letter requesting copies of the petitions appeared in the media before reaching the Presidency.
Security Measures Implemented to Prevent Further Leaks
Following early leakages, the Presidency implemented enhanced security protocols, marking documents sent to the Chief Justice to guard against any leakage. Ofosu emphasized that the government side has not been linked to any leaks, suggesting they originated elsewhere.
Commitment to Constitutional Processes
The government spokesman stressed the importance of respecting constitutional processes, arguing that judicial officers must be held accountable like any other individual. “Cannot have a situation where depending on who is involved, the Constitution is set aside,” Ofosu declared, reaffirming the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.