The Minority Caucus in Parliament has given the nod for the appointment of Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkonoo as Chief Justice.
The Minority stated that although they had hoped for a favorable final judgment from the Supreme Court in the pending case involving outgoing Assin North MP, James Gyakye Quayson, they would not hinder the appointment of Justice Torkonoo.
In a statement on Tuesday, June 6, signed by the Minority Chief Whip, Governs Kwame Agbodza, the NDC MPs noted that “the members of the Appointments Committee representing the National Democratic Congress (NDC) will not withhold our approval of the Chief Justice nominee by consensus”.
The minority stated that her credentials over time made her well suited for the role of Chief Justice.
“Her curriculum vitae reveals a person of considerable experience, having served as a judge from the High Court to the Court of Appeal and ultimately at the Supreme Court. Women who have acquitted themselves should be given opportunities to occupy key national offices. Even as we disagree with her jurisprudence, we find her qualified to occupy the high office of Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana,” the statement touted.
The NDC MPs, however, asked Justice Torkornoo to boost the reputation of the judiciary while she is in office.
“The image of the judiciary is not in good shape. Several opinion polls show that. We hope that Justice Gertrude, as a lady Chief Justice, will restore the dignity of the judiciary.”
