Political Scientist at the Kumasi Technical University, Dr Samuel Afriyie, has described the government’s response to Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo’s press statement as both “unnecessary” and “validating” her concerns about political interference.
Speaking to ABC News GH, Dr Afriyie questioned why the Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, felt the need to respond on behalf of the presidency when the removal proceedings are being handled by a constitutionally mandated committee.
“The government has not been implicated, and I don’t know why the Minister of Communication comes in to justify issues for government,” he stated.
He argued that the committee leading the inquiry is made up of competent individuals who should be able to interface with the media without political surrogates stepping in.
“A committee should have its own public relations who can interface with the media in such situations,” he noted, adding that the government’s insertion into the matter further fuels the perception of a coordinated plan to remove the Chief Justice.
According to Dr Afriyie, “It just confirms how systems are being run by government. So it means that it is the government that is trying to remove her.”
Dr Afriyie concluded that the presidency’s defensive posture inadvertently lends weight to the Chief Justice’s concerns about executive interference.
He suggested that the government’s actions contradict the principle of separation of powers and further erode public confidence in the process.
“By responding to the CJ, the presidency is only validating her claims,” he emphasized.
