Samuel Atta Akyea, a member of parliament representing Abuakwa South, has said that Gertrude Torkornoo, the recently sworn-in Chief Justice, is stern but not unpleasant.

He thinks that the new Chief Justice will engage lawyers very effectively because of her reputation for being stern.

The politician claimed that because Chief Justice Torkornoo is familiar with the law, the system will not be in disarray. He argued that he was able to discern that she was someone who understands the law very well, which is a prerequisite for being a judge because if a judge does not understand the law, it would be a chaotic situation.

He noted that the law court is intended to have judges who know the laws like the back of their hands. As a result, he feels that if the judge is knowledgeable about the law, there will not be any time wasted when concerns are brought to court. Due to the greater knowledge of the subject, he asserted that there is no need for any back and forth and that, the appropriate laws will be put in place to implement the law by summary.

“And then what is also good is that she’s very strict, which is one of the things I’m happy about, because if the lawyers come before a judge, and they want to be wayward, then it’s going to delay issues. So, she’s very strict and people respect her for the simple reason that she’s strict. I wouldn’t say she’s rude, because some people can be strict and rude.
“But she is strict and decent and will engage lawyers very well. I believe she’s a woman of integrity, and that is one of the things we should look out to see in people who have the trust to deliver justice. Justice should never be for sale.”
Samuel Atta Akyea

The lawmaker expressed optimism for the new Chief Justice’s performance.

“Her position should not change her core beliefs and character. I believe that she will be able to do a good job, and she has longevity on her side. She’s not voted in and voted out.”
Samuel Atta Akyea

Following confirmation by Parliament, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo was sworn in by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Monday, June 12, 2023. Justice Kwasi Anin Yeboah was replaced by Justice Torkornoo after he retired in May 2023.

Chief Justice Cannot Stand People Without Integrity

The recently appointed Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo, is said to detest dishonest individuals by her close friend, Erika Mamley Osae.

She said that although the new Chief Justice is severe, she is also hilarious and added that her spirituality has helped her succeed in her new position.

“My lady Araba Esaaba Gertrude Torkornoo, is a friend, and a big sister to me. She’s also a wife to her husband called Foo Kofi and a mother to her children. And to many people, she was many hearts, she’s down to earth. But what she can’t stand is people without integrity. She’s forthright; I mean strict and yet humorous.
“She’s very domesticated, when she’s in her elements and is preparing her all nation soup, the bowl is good. Not only that, but she’s very humorous and strict as well. She says it as it is. She’s a teacher by nature, she’s always teaching me. I’m always learning law. Whether I like it or not, I will have to learn, because she will explain what went into the decision of a ruling etc.”
Erika Mamley Osae

She claimed that CJ Torkornoo is a very quiet, God-fearing, and spiritual person, and that is what she guesses has motivated and propelled her to this point. Erika Mamley stated that she is not shocked by her friend’s latest accomplishment. Erika Mamley Osae emphasized, “I’m not surprised, just that it has come much faster than I thought.”

“Ghanaians should expect certainty, she will not deviate from her character. She’s a very reasonable person, we have that assurance, we really have a very good Chief Justice and I wish her well.”
Erika Mamley Osae