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I have no doubt that Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo will be an effective leader- Prez Akufo-Addo
President Akufo-Addo has stated that he has no doubt that Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo wwill be an effective leader of the Judiciary, zealously defend its independence, constantly uphold its dignity, and be a worthy successor to Chief Justice Anin Yeboah.
According to him, he is expectant that her tenure as Chief Justice will also be marked by order, fairness, diligence, deep-seated respect for the rule of law, and continuation of the modernisation of judicial functions and the expansion of infrastructure.
He made these remarks after swearing into office the new CJ on Monday, June 12, 2023, “I inducted into office a new Chief Justice of the Republic, who is now the head of the Judiciary, the third arm of government, responsible, above all, for maintaining the integrity of our constitutional order. “
This is the third time, President Akufo-Addo has had the honour of discharging the constitutional obligation of administering the oath of office to a Chief Justice.
He believes that the choice of Mrs Justice Gertrude Torkornoo as the 15th Chief Justice was not a particularly difficult one to make, in view of her level of qualification, the number of years served with distinction on the Bench in the Superior Court of Judicature, totalling nineteen (19) years, initially in the High Court, then at the Court of Appeal, and, finally, at the Supreme Court, and the considerable experience garnered as a result.
He added that indeed, the Council of State, conveying to him by hand of its highly respected Chairperson, Nana Otuo Siriboe II, Juabenhene, the successful completion of its consultative process, noted, in its advisory letter of April 28, 2023, that Members of the Council “who have known the nominee in both her private and public life vouched for her discipline, integrity, efficiency, and above all, her God-fearing nature. These are the attributes essential for the position of a Chief Justice.”
The Vice President, Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has called for stronger action to promote gender equity and create more opportunities for women in the workplace.
She made the call in a Facebook post after joining staff at the Presidency of Ghana to mark International Women’s Day.
The celebration was held under the theme “From Commitment to Action: Promoting Equity for Every Woman in the Workplace” and focused on recognising the achievements of women while reflecting on the work needed to ensure equal opportunities.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang extended warm wishes to women across Ghana and noted that women have always played key roles in the country’s communities and economic activities.
According to her, women in the past served as healers, traders and queen mothers who contributed to leadership and governance in traditional societies.
She explained that Ghana’s cultural history shows that women have long provided knowledge, leadership and innovation to help develop communities.
The Vice President however noted that current disparities require society to examine systems and structures that may have limited opportunities for women.
She stressed that advancing gender equity will require deliberate actions and the mentoring of young women to prepare them for leadership roles.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang recognised women whose work takes place in markets, streets and small trading spaces across the country.
According to her, these women form the backbone of local economies and continue to demonstrate resilience despite the difficult conditions they face.
She commended women working at the Presidency for their dedication and leadership and reaffirmed the need to promote respect, fairness and opportunity for every woman.
The Vice President further called on both men and women to work together to break barriers and ensure that women can fully contribute to Ghana’s development.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Diaspora Affairs Office at the Office of the President has hosted a delegation of African diaspora women who are in Ghana ahead of a planned Presidential Conferment of Citizenship ceremony.
The Director of Diaspora Affairs, Kofi Okyere Darko, explained in a Facebook post that the visit was a gesture of appreciation by the delegation to the Government of Ghana for its continued efforts to reconnect Africans in the diaspora with their ancestral homeland.
He indicated that the ceremony, scheduled for next Monday, will officially grant Ghanaian citizenship to members of the delegation as part of the country’s broader engagement with the African diaspora.
The delegation was led by Erica Bennett, Founder of the Diaspora Africa Forum.
According to Mr Okyere Darko, her years of advocacy have played an important role in strengthening ties between Africa and people of African descent living abroad.
He noted that the group’s journey towards citizenship represents not only a legal process but also a cultural and spiritual return to their roots.
Also present at the meeting was Natalie Jackson, an attorney who is also expected to receive Ghanaian citizenship during the ceremony. She works closely with renowned civil rights lawyer Ben Crump.
Mr Okyere Darko emphasised that Ghana remains committed to strengthening relationships with the African diaspora and promoting unity, identity, and shared heritage among people of African descent worldwide.
By: Jacob Aggrey
