Parliament will today, Friday, May 26, vet Justice Gertrude Torkonoo as Chief Justice. 

President Akufo-Addo in April nominated her to replace the now-retired Chief Justice Kwasi Anin Yeboah.

The President subsequently informed Parliament of his decision and called for her speedy approval. 

He explained that was to avoid any vacuum that would occur following the retirement of the current Chief Justice Kwasi Anin Yeboah. 

“Chief Justice Kwasi Anin Yeboah is due to retire from the bench on May 24, 2023, his seventieth birthday. In order to avoid a vacuum and ensure that a new Chief Justice is immediately in office after his retirement.

“I have decided to begin the process of appointment now. Article 144 (1) of the constitution, which governs the appointment of a Chief Justice, requires that I consult with the Council of State before seeking the approval Parliament. 

“Consequently, I am nominating Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo, a member of the Supreme Court, as the new Chief Justice. I hereby enclose a copy of her curriculum vitae for your attention,” excerpts of the letter said. 

Justice Mrs Torkornoo per this nomination, will be vetted by Parliament and approve her nomination or otherwise. 

She will become the third female Chief Justice in the history of Ghana after Justices Georgina Theodora Wood and Sophia Akuffo.