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Parliament approves Gertrude Torkornoo’s nomination as Chief Justice

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

This came after intense deliberation 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.

However, the NDC representatives still raised some concerns that they hoped she would address as part of her mandate.

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They particularly emphasised the party’s position on the details of the ruling that ousted James Gyakye Quayson as the Assin North MP, on which panel Justice Torkornoo sat.

Tamale South legislator, Haruna Iddrisu, urged the Chief Justice-nominee to act fairly in the administration of justice.

He emphasized the importance of discharging her duties without fear, favor, or political influence while upholding her judicial oath.

Mr. Iddrisu also stated that Justice Araba Essaba Torkornoo’s elevation to Chief Justice was a natural progression, considering her previous positions from the High Court to the Court of Appeal.

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“It is only natural that if she is chosen and recognized by the President, she will have our support. Let us all support and wish her well,” he added.

The Appointments Committee unanimously recommended her acceptance.

Chairman of the Constitutional Legal & Parliamentary Affairs Committee, Kwame Anyimadu Antwi, assured that the legal luminary would adhere to the principles of her mandate, as reaffirmed in the Appointment Committee’s report.

Portions of the report read; “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 Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana.”

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He however contested Mr Iddrisu’s concerns in the outcome of the Gyakye Quayson ruling by the Supreme Court.

Other MPs such as Elizabeth Ofosu Agyare of Techiman North and Ursula Owusu-Ekuful of Ablekuma West.

Along the line, Minority Chief Whip Governs Kwame Agbodza called on Justice Gertrude Torkonoo to leave what he described as a better legacy than her predecessor Kwesi Anin-Yeboah in terms of justice delivery.

The Adaklu MP accused Anin Yeboah of presiding over a Supreme Court which made some bad judgments citing the Court’s decisions in the birth certificate case and the recent Gyakye Quayson case.

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But Bekwau MP and First Deputy Speaker, Joseph Osei Owusu eulogised the outgoing Justice, Kwasi Anin-Yeboah.“In the last 35 years, he is the only Chief

Justice that the Bar Association has formally honoured. That is a good record and that should be respected,” he added.

Credit:Myjoyonline.com

Subsequently, the House, led by Speaker Alban Bagbin adopted the report.

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UGMC disputes Michael Blackson’s claims over late mother’s treatment

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The University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) has disputed claims made on social media by comedian Michael Blackson concerning the treatment given to his late mother, saying a review found that the allegations did not accurately reflect what happened during her stay at the hospital.

In a statement issued in Accra on August 5, 2026, the management of UGMC expressed condolences to Mr. Blackson and his family over the death of his 83-year-old mother, who died at the facility on July 16, 2026.

The hospital said it had taken the concerns raised by Mr. Blackson seriously and conducted a thorough review in line with its clinical and administrative procedures.

According to the statement, the facts presented by Mr. Blackson on social media contained “numerous inaccuracies” and did not accurately reflect the medical care provided to his mother.

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UGMC explained that she was referred to the facility from another hospital and received treatment there from May 27 to July 16, 2026, a period of about eight weeks.

The hospital stated that it would not release details of her diagnosis, treatment, medical records or other aspects of her care because it had a duty to protect patient confidentiality, even after death.

It said the decision was intended to respect the dignity of the deceased and the privacy of her family.

UGMC further stated that all clinical decisions at the facility are made by qualified healthcare professionals based on medical judgment, established standards of care and the best interests of the patient.

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The statement added that such decisions are made in consultation with authorised family representatives where necessary and that billing and financial procedures are governed by institutional policies and are separate from clinical decision-making.

The hospital noted that it values feedback from patients and their families and considers both positive and negative comments important for improving the quality of care.

Mr. Blackson had earlier used social media to criticise the care his mother received at UGMC, prompting the hospital’s response.

By: Jacob Aggrey

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NPP suspends Greater Accra campaigns ahead of “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration

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The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has directed all aspirants campaigning in the Greater Accra Region to suspend their campaign activities on August 5 and 6 and instead mobilise supporters for the party’s planned “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration.

The directive was issued by the party’s National Steering Committee in a statement signed by the NPP General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the decision forms part of efforts to ensure a strong turnout for the demonstration, which is scheduled for Thursday, August 6, 2026.

The party said the protest would begin at 5:00 a.m., with participants expected to gather at the Supreme Court in Accra.

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It further directed Regional, Constituency and Polling Station Executives in Greater Accra to work closely to mobilise members and supporters for the event.

“The National Steering Committee is calling on all aspirants currently campaigning across the Greater Accra Region to temporarily suspend their campaign activities on the 5th and 6th of August and join in mobilising support for the upcoming demonstration,” the statement noted.

The NPP appealed to party members and supporters to remain peaceful, disciplined and orderly throughout the protest.

The demonstration forms part of the party’s response to concerns it has raised over issues relating to Ghana’s democratic governance and the justice system.

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The NPP leadership expressed confidence that party members would cooperate fully to ensure a successful and peaceful event.

By: Jacob Aggrey

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