President Akufo-Addo has commended Chief Justice Getrude Torkonoo, revealing that he has no doubt that she will be an effective leader of the judiciary.
According to him, Chief Justice Torkonoo has the capabilities to step into the shoes of the outgone Chief Justice, Annim Yeboah, who equally excelled in the office. He revealed with the passion exuded by her, she will exact her duties.
“She has clearly the full grasp of the intricacies of judiciary administration. I have no doubt that Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo will be an effective leader of the judiciary, zealously defend its independence, constantly uphold its dignity and be a worthy successor to Chief Justice Anim Yeboah.”
President Akufo-Addo
Speaking at the swearing-in of the new Chief Justice at the Jubilee House, today, June 12, 2023, President Akufo-Addo stated that he is expecting the tenure of Justice Torkornoo to be marked by order, fairness, diligence, deep-seated respect for the rule of law and continuation of the modernization of judicial functions and the expansion of infrastructure. He noted that the judiciary has the heavy burden of being the bulwark for the defense of the liberties and rights of Ghanaians.
“A burden that is best executed when it enjoys the unalloyed respect. As I have had the occasion to remark on several occasions, it is unacceptable for judges to pronounce judgements based on decisions of lower courts and cite them as law. It is even less acceptable when judges issue orders without providing any justification. Judges must be knowledgeable, familiar with case law and committed to making well-informed decisions…”
President Akufo-Addo
President Akufo-Addo highlighted that this is the third time as a President, he has had the honor of discharging the constitutional obligation of administering the oath of office to a chief justice. He stated that he observed during Justice Torkonoo’s vetting, that the majority of justices of the Supreme Court, including her predecessor, were present in parliament to lend their support to her appearance before the Appointments Committee.
This, he highlighted, was an admirable gesture and he is hopeful that this same level of support will be forthcoming as she assumes the mantle as head of the judiciary.
“To her colleagues on the bench and members of the bar, I urge your continuous solidarity and cooperation with the new chief justice to promote the rule of law. That will be in line with the finest traditions of the bench and of the bar and will help advance the welfare of our people.”
President Akufo-Addo
Council of Statement, Parliament congratulated on appointment of Chief Justice
Elaborating on the process involved in selecting the newly-inducted Chief Justice, the President stated that in the institution tasked by Article 44 clause 1 of the constitution to assist the President in the appointment of the chief justice to perform their duties diligently, the Council of State, which continues to handle assiduously all matters brought before it, carried out its consultative function effectively.
Likewise, he stated that parliament effected expeditiously, on a commendable bi-partisan basis, its constitutional mandate of approving the President’s nominee, enabling the investiture ceremony to be conducted within six weeks of the nomination.
“Cooperation between the three arms of the government – executive, legislature and judiciary on the accomplishment of this sensitive appointment, enhances public trust in the ordering of the state and the functioning of our democracy.”
President Akufo-Addo
Furthermore, President Akufo-Addo emphasized that it is essential, for the development of the nation, that the judiciary commands the respect of the population by the quality of justice delivery and by the comportment and conduct of judges. He equally noted that it is crucial for judges to be morally upright with intellectual integrity and a thorough understanding of the law.
“The choice of Mrs Justice Gertude Torkonoo as the 15th chief justice was not a particularly difficult one to make. In view of her level of qualification, the number of years served with distinction in the superior court of judicature, totalling nineteen years… garnered as a result…”
President Akufo-Addo
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