By Edzorna Francis Mensah
Parliament has approved by consensus, the president’s nominee for the position of Chief Justice of the Republic in the person of Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornu on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, after the House debated the committee’s report.
This is in pursuant to the provisions in Article 144(1) of the 1992 Constitution and Standing Order 172 (2), the Committee considered H.E. the President’s nomination of Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo as Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana.
Her approval followed the recommendation to the House by consensus the approval of “the nomination of JUSTICE GERTRUDE ARABA ESAABA SACKEY TORKORNOO for appointment as Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana”.
When asked during her vetting on whether it is right for the Legislature to seek the opinion of the Judiciary in the law-making process, the nominee explained that “the two arms of government have distinct roles to play in the governance structure of the country, and it would be out of place for the Judiciary to interfere in the workings of Parliament”.
She, however, posited that if the law does not conform to the provisions of the Constitution, the Supreme Court has the power of judicial review and can direct Parliament to amend the law.
Speaking on issues that concern girls and women in general, Her Ladyship encouraged young girls and women to build their self-confidence and work on areas of their lives that create self-doubt.
She also encouraged women /girls to consider themselves as persons of value who can compete effectively with boys or men.
On the issue of declaration of assets and whether she has complied with the law on asset declarations, she stated that she has declared her assets and that her last declaration was in 2022, but has not updated it because she has not acquired any new properties.
In conclusion, the committee noted that 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 the Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana,” the report noted.
