The Judicial Service of Ghana (JSG) has responded to media reports suggesting that recent judicial transfers, including that of Justice Priscilla Dikro Ofori, were intended to disrupt the Special Prosecutor’s trial of Alex Kwabena Safo Kantanka.

The JSG has clarified that these transfers are part of standard administrative procedures and not aimed at interfering with any ongoing legal processes.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, 3 December 2024, the JSG explained that judicial transfers are part of an annual process or occur as needed and are not intended to disrupt the progress of any cases.

The statement also noted that transferred judges are required to complete trials that are nearing conclusion and deliver judgments in cases that have already been resolved.

“As part of the process, transferred judges must submit a Case Completion Plan to the Chief Justice’s office. This ensures they are authorised to deliver any pending judgments,” the JSG said.

Justice Ofori, who has been reassigned from Kumasi to Accra as part of the 2024 legal year transfers, adhered to the established protocol by submitting her Case Completion Plan on November 29, 2024. She has been granted permission to finalise cases that are close to completion, according to the statement.

The JSG also stressed that Justice Ofori’s transfer is part of a wider movement involving over 20 judges across various court levels and is unrelated to the trial of Safo Kantanka.

The service urged the public to disregard claims suggesting any deliberate attempt to obstruct the judicial process.

Furthermore, the JSG appealed to media outlets to prioritise responsible and accurate reporting, urging journalists to verify all claims before publication to prevent the spread of misinformation.