Judicial Service refutes claims of intentional case delays in judge transfers

The Judicial Service of Ghana (JSG) has dismissed allegations that recent judicial transfers were designed to disrupt cases nearing judgement, calling such claims misleading and factually inaccurate.

In response to reports by The Herald Newspaper and other outlets, which suggested that the Chief Justice’s administrative decision to transfer Justice Priscilla Dikro Ofori—who was presiding over the trial of Alex Kwabena Sarfo Kantanka—was aimed at undermining the Special Prosecutor’s anti-corruption efforts, the JSG provided a detailed rebuttal.

“Transfers of judges are an administrative exercise conducted annually or as necessitated by specific circumstances,” the JSG clarified. “Judges on transfer are required to deliver judgements in completed cases and finalise those near completion.”

The Service emphasised that Justice Ofori, like other transferred judges, has been authorised to deliver all pending judgements and rulings. On November 29, 2024, Justice Ofori submitted a Case Completion Plan, as required, and has been issued a warrant to continue work on cases that are near conclusion.

The JSG stressed that Justice Ofori’s transfer from Kumasi to Accra was part of routine movements marking the start of the 2024 legal year, which involved over 20 judges across all levels of the judiciary.

“These transfers are not intended to truncate cases,” the statement asserted. “The Chief Justice’s mandate includes ensuring administrative efficiency and that standard procedures are in place to handle transitions without compromising judicial processes.”

The JSG also urged the media to verify facts before publication to ensure accurate and balanced reporting. “In any matter where additional information is needed, the media is encouraged to contact the Judicial Service’s Public Relations Office,” it noted.