Ghana’s Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, has declined a request from the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to remove Justice Edward Twum from cases involving Cecilia Dapaah.
The OSP had filed a petition claiming that Justice Twum had displayed bias against their office and requested his recusal, but this request was rejected by the Chief Justice.
In response to the request, the OSP revealed in a statement on social media that they had been informed by the Judicial Secretary that the Chief Justice could not comply with their request.
The OSP had argued that Justice Twum showed prejudice against them and the Special Prosecutor, justifying their call for his removal from cases involving their office.
The case, which was presided over by Justice Twum on October 12, had to be adjourned as the Chief Justice’s response was awaited regarding the request to have him removed from the case. This case involves Cecilia Dapaah, the former sanitation minister, who is charged with failing to declare her assets.
The lawyers representing the Office of the Special Prosecutor did not appear in court due to their petition for the judge’s recusal from all their cases. This development has resulted in delays and disruptions in legal proceedings.
The Chief Justice’s decision to keep Justice Twum on the case has stirred discussions within the legal community and among the public, emphasizing the importance of judicial independence and fairness in the legal process.
The case involving Cecilia Dapaah remains pending, awaiting further developments in this ongoing legal dispute.
Source: EVANS EFFAH