Justice Torkornoo Officially Introduced To Asantehene
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, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II during a courtesy call on August 30, 2023 at the Manhyia Palace.
She was accompanied by a delegation composed of officials of the Judiciary and led by Justice Kofi Akrowiah, the Supervising High Court Judge in the Ashanti Region.
Speaking on her behalf, Justice Akrowiah said it was imperative that the Chief Justice introduced herself to Otumfuo due to his influence and the outstanding role he plays in Ghana.
The courtesy call, he said, was also to show appreciation to the King for his counsel and guidance to Justice Torkornoo which has led her this far.
“The country now has a new Chief Justice and with the key role he {Otumfuo} 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,” he said.
Speaking before Otumfuo, 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.”
They further thanked His Majesty for donating the land for the construction of a residential complex for Court of Appeal Judges at Danyame in the Ashanti Region.
Welcoming them to the Palace, Otumfuo expressed confidence in her and noted that her achievements and composure since her assumption of office prove she will be great at the position.
“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 also guaranteed his support to make her successful.
“We will back you with prayers and everything needed to make her succeed.”
To the Judiciary, Otumfuo advised to give the needed assistance and unite to make her role 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).
