Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu has rejected claims by suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo that her removal from office is politically motivated, insisting that President John Dramani Mahama has acted strictly within the confines of the 1992 Constitution.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, Mr Kwakye Ofosu stated unequivocally that the President has had no personal role in the content or direction of the proceedings to remove Justice Torkornoo, which are being conducted under Article 146 of the Constitution.

“Let me place on record, without fear of contradiction, and let me be clear, that no such political agenda exists,” he stated. “His Excellency the President took an oath—incidentally sworn by Her Ladyship the Chief Justice herself—to abide by the Constitution. That is exactly what he has done.”

The spokesperson’s response came shortly after Justice Torkornoo publicly declared that she would not resign, alleging that the removal process against her was being driven by political interests and conducted through what she described as an “opaque” and “unlawful” process.

“If I resign under these circumstances, I would be endorsing this flawed, unknown and opaque process as acceptable. It is not,” she said.

In rebuttal, Mr Kwakye Ofosu maintained that the President has merely responded to petitions as prescribed by the Constitution and has not interfered in any aspect of the investigative process.

“The President cannot have a personal view on such petitions. If he refused to act, he would himself be in breach of the Constitution,” he said. “He has acted just as any responsible leader ought to under the law.”

Mr Kwakye Ofosu also dismissed suggestions that the location of the investigative hearings near the Osu Castle—was designed to intimidate the Chief Justice.

“That facility is used to host visiting dignitaries. It is not intimidating. It is a state-owned facility requested by the committee for logistical convenience. To suggest otherwise is unjustifiable,” he noted.

He further clarified that all proceedings are held in camera, as stipulated under Article 146(8), regardless of the venue.

Addressing allegations that the presidency had leaked correspondence or information relating to the case, the presidential spokesperson denied any such misconduct.

“In fact, the first leak came from a letter authored by the Chief Justice herself, requesting a copy of the petition. That letter appeared in the media before it even reached the President,” he stated.

He cautioned against linking the current proceedings to past tragedies, such as the assassination of judges in the early 1980s, describing such comparisons as “most disingenuous.”

“To associate this constitutionally mandated process with that dark chapter of our history is regrettable. There is no nexus between the two,” he said.

Mr Kwakye Ofosu stressed that all public officials—regardless of position—are subject to the law.

“We cannot have a sacred cow mentality in our democracy. Every public officeholder, including the Chief Justice, is bound by law. Once a complaint is made, the appropriate constitutional process must take its course,” he said.

He concluded by affirming that President Mahama remains committed to upholding the rule of law.

“All Ghanaians are equal before the law. If allegations are made, they must be investigated within the framework of the Constitution. That is what is happening, and that is what will continue to happen,” he added.