Justice Gertrude Torkornoo sworn-in as Chief Justice

Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has been sworn in as the next Chief Justice of Ghana.

Her swearing-in took place at the Jubilee House on Monday, June 12, 2023.

Her appointment was approved by Parliament on Wednesday, June 7.

Justice Torkornoo during her inaugural address after her swearing-in ceremony made a commitment to leverage technology to improve the efficiency of the Judiciary.

“Two decades since tackling the issue of automation, only 62 percent of courts use computers as part of their work. Computerization is only the first process of the automation of court processes. After acquiring electronic devices to capture records of court processes, the registry, and offices of stakeholders must be networked in other to allow for the next level of automation.

“This is a national burden and we are slowed by any sluggishness in the nation’s digitalization drive. Currently, our records show that only 26 percent of courts are networked and only 12 percent of courts have been brought into the bracket of full automation in the operation through the digitalization of their processes,” Justice Torkornoo said.

Speaking at the swearing-in of the new Chief Justice at the Jubilee House, President Akufo-Addo said Justice Torkornoo has what it takes to repose public confidence in the Judiciary.

“The choice of 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 spent with distinction at the bench, and the superior court of judicature.”

Justice Gertrude Torkornoo takes over from Justice Kwesi Anin Yeboah who retired in May.