Chief Justice Nominee Appears Before Appointments Committee
26-05-2023CHIEF JUSTICE NOMINEE APPEARS BEFORE APPOINTMENTS COMMITTEE
Chief Justice Nominee Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, appeared before the Appointments Committee to answer various questions relating to issues concerning the Judicial Service, delayed judgements, recent ruling by the Supreme Court and other topical issues in the country.
The nominee also shared her views on the use of technology for swift settlement of disputes, the status of e-justice in the country and what she thinks about the perception of corruption in the Judicial system.
Answering questions on LGBTQ+ which happens to be one of the sensitive Bills being considered by Parliament, the nominee who appeared very religious was of the view that her beliefs will not in any way interfere with her professional work, therefore she will apply the law when such issues comes before her.
On the issue of the recent ruling by the apex court ordering Parliament to expunge the name of Mr. James Gyakye Quayson as Member of Parliament for Assin North, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, made the Committee aware that, the decision was a collective decision taken by a seven-member panel, adding that copies of the ruling which is work in progress would be made public soon.
The nominee also used the opportunity to clarify the issue concerning the position of Justices when it comes to ex-gratia. According to her, the Association of Justices has on a number of times made it known to the public that they do not receive ex-gratia because they retire on their salary, stressing that the entrenched position as contained in the 1992 constitution can be changed by elaborate procedure.
Justice Gertrude Torkornoo also told the committee that the on-going strike by the Judicial Service is about review of salary structure, but quickly added that the issues are being handled amicably.
The Vetting which lasted more than three hours brought together some top Justices in the Superior Justices of the Judiciary including the out-gone Chief Justice, Justice Anim Yeboah.
The members of the Appointments Committee are expected to present their report to the House during the second meeting of the third session when it resumes sitting on Tuesday 6th June 2023.
