The executive director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Sulemana Braimah has said he is confident in the capablities of the newly appointed Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo.
Justice Torkornoo was on Monday (12 June), sworn into office by President Nana Akufo-Addo as the country’s third female Chief Justice, following the footsteps of Justices Georgina Theodora Wood and Sophia Akuffo.
In a open letter on Monday (12 June), Braimah urged Justice Torkornoo to ensure she defends the democracy of Ghana.
“Congratulations on your assumption of the high office of Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana.
I have only seen and met you once and that was when I appeared before you when you were handling cases related to Anas’ work on the judiciary. I have since then admired you. I am neither a lawyer nor a judge.
“You have also taken over the leadership of our judiciary at a time when the judiciary is seen as the last root that is keeping our democracy standing. That root is also being uprooted with intense force. It is your job to keep tree of our democracy standing. Do not let the tree fall.
“I have no doubt that you will want history to judge you positively after your tenure. I have no doubt that you will want to be remembered after your tenure as one of the best CJs Ghana ever had,” Braimah said.
Below is the full letter:
Dear Justice Gertrude Torkornoo,
Congratulations on your assumption of the high office of Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana.
I have only seen and met you once and that was when I appeared before you when you were handling cases related to Anas’ work on the judiciary. I have since then admired you. I am neither a lawyer nor a judge.But I know a good judge when I see one or encounter one. I know and I have heard from people too, that you are a good judge and a good person. That makes me happy for you and happy as a Ghanaian.
You’ve assumed the leadership of our judiciary at a critical time. You have taken over at a time of intense public mistrust for the judiciary. You have taken over at a time when there are intense partisan debates about the integrity of the judiciary. These should make you feel challenged and happy at the same time.
You will naturally be feeling challenged about the enormity of work it will take to restore public confidence in the judiciary. At the same time, you should be happy that it is you history has chosen to deal with the current challenges of our judiciary.
You have also taken over the leadership of our judiciary at a time when the judiciary is seen as the last root that is keeping our democracy standing. That root is also being uprooted with intense force. It is your job to keep tree of our democracy standing. Do not let the tree fall.
The Courts have power. Yes. But what makes the courts powerful is not their power to convict, but their power to dispense true justice for the people. The Courts must, therefore, be respected and dignified by all for their honest work rather than being feared for just their powers.
I have no doubt that you will want history to judge you positively after your tenure. I have no doubt that you will want to be remembered after your tenure as one of the best CJs Ghana ever had.
The work ahead is challenging but I am confident in your capacity to make all proud.
I wish you the very best and pray that you succeed.
Reporting by Fred Dzakpata in Accra
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