Newly appointed Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkonoo has promised to seek the support of the legislature and the executive in ensuring an increase in the budget for the judiciary.

Speaking at her swearing-in ceremony, she noted that an increase in the budget and internally generated funds will aid the judiciary expand its infrastructure, especially in the area of technology.

“There is a need to increase the budget of the judiciary because undoubtedly, the efficiency of court processes and administration is assured with more deliberate use of technology,” she said.

The new Chief Justice added that “there is a need to increase our budget to make learning, library and operations resources available to all judges and staff in every corner of Ghana in order to enhance the speed with which both judicial and administrative decisions are made and communicated to stakeholders.”

Justice Torkonoo noted that as a result, the judiciary can increase its transparency which in turn will make them more accountable.

This, she explained, can be achieved through the real-time publication of decisions especially when it comes to decisions or land ownership and other areas of law that affect the economic and social stability of the country.

Justice Torkonoo added that with more funds the judiciary can harness the attention of external stakeholders - like auctioneers, valuers, lands commission, bankers and surveyors - in justice delivery to not compromise the quality of justice since they become relevant in the crosshairs of litigation.

“I wish to express my determination to relentlessly seek the support of the legislature in matters of the budget of the judiciary and the support of both the executive and legislature for accelerated infrastructure in technology and for innovative models of doing business with technology.”

“The expansion of electronically Asses Library Services will require support. An increase in the percentage returned to the judicial service from my internally generated funds will greatly accelerate the work that needs to be done,” she added.

Justice Torkonoo was sworn in as Chief Justice by President Akufo-Addo on Monday, June 12.

She becomes the third female in Ghana’s history to occupy that position at the Supreme Court.

The appointment of Torkornoo follows the approval of her nomination by Parliament on June 7, after a rigorous debate.

In his address, the President expressed his confidence in Chief Justice Torkornoo’s abilities and pledged his support in fulfilling her duties.