Parliament has finally approved the nomination of Gertrude Araba Essaba Torkornoo as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
This came after intense deliberation in the House on Wednesday, June 7, 2023. Members from both sides took turns to debate the matter before reaching the final decision.
The Minority had already expressed their support for Justice Torkornoo at a press conference held on Tuesday.
Parliament approves Gertrude Torkornoo’s nomination as Chief Justice
However, the NDC representatives still raised some concerns that they hoped she would address as part of her mandate.
They particularly emphasised the party’s position on the details of the ruling that ousted James Gyakye Quayson as the Assin North MP, on which panel Justice Torkornoo sat.
Tamale South legislator, Haruna Iddrisu, urged the Chief Justice-nominee to act fairly in the administration of justice.
Parliament approves Gertrude Torkornoo’s nomination as Chief Justice
He emphasized the importance of discharging her duties without fear, favor, or political influence, while upholding her judicial oath.
Mr. Iddrisu also stated that Justice Araba Essaba Torkornoo’s elevation to Chief Justice was a natural progression, considering her previous positions from the High Court to the Court of Appeal.
“It is only natural that if she is chosen and recognized by the President, she will have our support. Let us all support and wish her well,” he added.
The Appointments Committee unanimously recommended her acceptance.
Chairman of the Constitutional Legal & Parliamentary Affairs Committee, Kwame Anyimadu Antwi, assured that the legal luminary would adhere to the principles of her mandate, as reaffirmed in the Appointment Committee’s report.
Parliament approves Gertrude Torkornoo’s nomination as Chief Justice
Portions of the report read; “the nominee showed character, competence and dexterity in the knowledge of the law. She pledged to interpret the law without fear or favor if approved as Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana.”
He however contested Mr Iddrisu’s concerns in the outcome of the Gyakye Quayson ruling by the Supreme Court.
Parliament approves Gertrude Torkornoo’s nomination as Chief Justice
Other MPs such as Elizabeth Ofosu Agyare of Techiman North and Ursula Owusu-Ekuful of Ablekuma West also shared good testimonies about the Chief Justice nominee.
Parliament approves Gertrude Torkornoo’s nomination as Chief Justice
Along the line, Minority Chief Whip Governs Kwame Agbodza called on Justice Gertrude Torkonoo to leave what he described as a better legacy than her predecessor Kwesi Anin-Yeboah in terms of justice delivery.
The Adaklu MP accused Anin Yeboah of presiding over a Supreme Court which made some bad judgments citing the Court’s decisions in the birth certificate case and the recent Gyakye Quayson case.
But Bekwau MP and First Deputy Speaker, Joseph Osei Owusu eulogised the outgoing Justice, Kwasi Anin-Yeboah.
“In the last 35 years, he is the only Chief Justice that the Bar Association has formally honoured. That is a good record and that should be respected,” he added.
Subsequently, the House, led by Speaker Alban Bagbin adopted the report.
