The Chief Justice of Ghana, Justice Gertrude Araba Essaba Torkornoo has officially introduced herself as the 15th head of the judiciary to the King of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuor Osei Tutu II during a courtesy call on August 30, 2023 at the Manhyia Palace.
She was joined by a designation of officials of the Legal executive and led by Justice Kofi Akrowiah, the Supervising High Court Judge in the Ashanti region of Ghana.
The Chief Justice acquainted herself with Otumfuor because of his impact and the extraordinary role he plays in Ghana.
The courtesy call was also to show appreciation to the King for his advice and direction to Justice Torkornoo which has driven her this far.
“The country now has a new Chief Justice and with the key role he {Otumfuor} plays in this country and particularly in her progress, it was deemed cardinal to have an official introduction and express immense gratitude to the King,” a spokesperson for Justice Torkornoo said.
Speaking before Otumfuor, Justice Torkornoo said,
“It has been a while since I was sworn into office and so I deemed it right to come and show myself to the King. I thank him.”
The team also expressed gratitude to His Majesty for providing the land for the construction of a Court of Appeal Judges’ residential complex in Danyame, Ashanti Region.
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Otumfuo welcomed them to the Palace and expressed confidence in her, noting that her accomplishments and calm since taking office demonstrate her success.
“How far she has come is by the grace of God and I’m confident she will be able to do the work. I have been monitoring her work since she assumed the office and I know she will finish well.”
He additionally ensured his support to make her successful.
“We will back you with prayers and everything needed to make her succeed.”
To the Legal executive, Otumfuor advised to give the required support and join to make her job smooth.
Among the delegation were Justice Cynthia Pamela Akotoaa Addo, the country’s judicial Secretary and regional executives of the judicial arm of government.
Justice Torkornoo was sworn into office on June 12, 2023, by President Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo following the retirement of Justice Anin Yeboah, her predecessor.
President Akufo-Addo in his speech during the ceremony said it was not a difficult decision appointing her due to her distinction in line of service in the past nineteen years and asserted she is a worthy successor of Justice Anin-Yeboah
She is the country’s third female Chief Justice after Justices Georgina Theodora Wood (2007-2017) and Sophia Akuffo (2017-2020).
