Chief Justice removal petition: President Mahama has no power to assess case – Ofosu Kwakye

The Minister for Government Communications, Felix Ofosu Kwakye, has clarified that President John Dramani Mahama has no constitutional authority to assess the merit of the petition seeking the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo.

Speaking on Joy FM on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, Mr. Ofosu Kwakye explained that the President's role is strictly procedural—forwarding the petition to the Council of State and acting based on their advice.

“The President does not make any determination on merit. He is merely a conveyor belt in the process and must consult the Council of State before deciding whether to move the process forward,” he stated.

The petition, filed by three individuals whose identities remain undisclosed, has drawn public attention. However, Ofosu Kwakye emphasized that constitutional rules prevent the government from revealing its contents at this stage.

Addressing concerns about political motives, he noted that the Constitution provides safeguards to ensure fairness in such proceedings. If the Council of State advises that the petition has merit, a committee—comprising at least two Supreme Court justices—will be set up under Article 146 to investigate the matter.

Dismissing criticism from the opposition NPP, Mr. Ofosu Kwakye stated, “The NPP is in no position to lecture this government on due process, given their own past actions.”

The government has not indicated when the Council of State will complete its review, leaving the next steps dependent on their recommendations.