Parliament Approves Gertrude Torkornoo’s Nomination, Becomes 3rd Female Chief Justice

Parliament has approved the nomination of Gertrude Araba Essaba Torkornoo as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

This came after an intense review 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.

Sixty-year-old Justice Torkornoo has been on the Supreme Court for the past four years and a member of the Judiciary for the past 19 years.

Justice Torkornoo ‘s appointment came after President Akufo Addo had consulted the Council of State and her nomination is in fulfillment of Article 144 (I) of the Constitution which governs the appointment of a Chief.

Article 144 (1) of the Constitution requires the President to consult the Council of State before seeking the approval of Parliament of the new Chief Justice.

This approval by Parliament makes her the third female Chief Justice after Justice Georgina Theodora Wood and Justice Sophia Akuffo.