President Akufo-Addo has sworn in Gertrude Araba Essaba Torkornoo as the new Chief Justice.
She becomes the third female in Ghana’s history to occupy that position at the Supreme Court.
The appointment of Torkornoo follows the approval of her nomination by Parliament on June 7, after a rigorous debate.
In his address, the President expressed his confidence in Chief Justice Torkornoo’s abilities and pledged his support in fulfilling her duties.
He emphasised the importance of a strong collaboration between the Executive and the Judiciary, rooted in mutual respect, to foster good governance for the Ghanaian people.
“I want to assure chief justice Gertrude Torkonoo that just as I did with her predecessor, I will be a dependable and trustworthy partner of the judiciary so that the Executive and the Judiciary can work together in the spirit of mutual respect to consolidate the tenets of good governance for the benefit of the Ghanaian people,” he said on Monday at the Jubilee House.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by the nation, President Akufo-Addo highlighted the need for unity among all sectors of society, including the private and public sectors, security services, political parties, civil society, religious bodies, and traditional authorities. He called for collective efforts to address the difficulties arising from global developments, which Ghana has had little control over.
“The appointment of a new Chief Justice is taking place at a time when our nation is attempting to overcome challenges that have arisen from external factors beyond our control. It is our collective duty to work together, with different views and perspectives, for the betterment of the Ghanaian project,” President Akufo-Addo emphasized.
Prior to her appointment, she served as a Justice of the Supreme Court and had a distinguished career spanning several years.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including members of Parliament, government officials, legal practitioners, and representatives from various sectors of society.
Chief Justice Torkornoo’s tenure begins at a crucial time for the country, with numerous legal challenges and societal issues demanding attention including an economic crunch.
In her acceptance speech, she was optimistic that she will bring hope for a justice system that is fair, efficient, and responsive to the needs of the Ghanaian people.
With President Akufo-Addo’s commitment to supporting her in this endeavor, Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Essaba Torkornoo is poised to make a lasting impact on the judicial landscape of Ghana.
