The Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has strongly dismissed criticisms from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) regarding President John Mahama’s handling of petitions seeking the removal of the Chief Justice, Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo.
Kwakye Ofosu’s comments were in direct response to the Member of Parliament for Manhyia, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, who expressed concerns that the process initiated by President Mahama based on the petitions could be politically motivated and set a bad precedent.
The Minister, however, rebuffed this assertion, insisting that the NPP lacks the moral authority to critique the government’s actions given its past conduct.
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“Well, he will know all about politicization and terrible precedent. Was he not in this country when President Akufo-Addo initiated a similar process to remove the then-chairperson of the Electoral Commission? That commission is an independent body created by the Constitution. What does he have to say about that? When did he realise that following such a process set a bad precedent?” Kwakye Ofosu questioned.
“The NPP is not in any position to offer any lectures to the government in this matter, given the very things they did. If they thought President Akufo-Addo even had the power to do what he did, then why should they challenge it now? The Constitution says he had the power, and he exercised it. They were happy with it; they applauded and supported him. So, what exactly is the confusion about in this process?” he added.
Mr Kwakye Ofosu emphasised that President John Mahama is merely fulfilling his constitutional duty by considering the petitions presented to him, in consultation with the Council of State, reiterating that the President took an oath to uphold the Constitution and is acting within its confines.
“Yes, he may have criticised the Ghanaian judiciary, but all public institutions, including the President himself, are subject to scrutiny. No public office holder should consider themselves beyond the provisions of the Constitution,” he stated.
Mr Kwakye Ofosu further challenged the NPP to point out any specific constitutional violation in the ongoing process rather than making broad claims about political motivation and precedence.
He maintained that as long as the constitutional procedures are followed, no objections based on perceived political motives should invalidate the process.
