Chief Justice rejects OSPs petition for Justice Edward Twum's recusal

The Chief Justice has turned down the request by the Office of the Special Prosecutor to have Justice Edward Twum recused and removed from all pending cases before him involving the Office.

The OSP in an update on X (formerly Twitter) said it received a letter today, October 25, informing it of the Chief Justice's decision. 

“The Judicial Secretary informed The Special Prosecutor that, the Chief Justice is unable to accede to the Office of the Special Prosecutor’s (OSP) request for his lordship Justice Edward Twum to be recused and removed from all cases involving the OSP pending before him,” the OSP said.

The OSP on October 12 petitioned the Chief Justice to have Justice Edward removed from cases involving it as it believed that the High Court judge (who's presiding over its case against former Sanitation Minister Cecilia Dapaah) is prejudiced against the institution and the person of the Special Prosecutor.

The OSP is currently before the court seeking a second confirmation of the seizure of cash belonging to Madam Cecilia Dapaah which it deems to be tainted with corruption.

Last week, prosecutors from the OSP filed a certiorari at the Supreme Court against the High Court's earlier decision to grant an expedited hearing on the second confirmation of the seizure of cash belonging to Madam Cecilia Dapaah. 

The OSP additionally filed a motion to stay proceedings at the High Court until the Supreme Court concludes its current application. 

At an in-chamber sitting today, Justice Edward Twum adjourned the hearing of the OSP's motion for Stay of Proceedings to November 8, 2023.