Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo Biography
Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo (born September 11, 1962) is currently serving as the 15th Chief Justice of Ghana, having been sworn into office on June 12, 2023.
She was appointed to the Supreme Court in November 2019 and officially sworn in on December 17, 2019.
In April 2023, she was nominated as Chief Justice to succeed Justice Kwasi Anin-Yeboah, who retired on May 24, 2023.
She was sworn in as the 15th Chief Justice of Ghana on June 12, 2023.
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo Wikipedia
Full Name: Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo
Date of Birth: September 11, 1962
Place of Birth: Cape Coast, Ghana
Hometown: Winneba, Central Region, Ghana
Parents: Abraham Kofi Sackey and Comfort Aba Sackey (both teachers)
Siblings: Second of five children
Education: Primary: Suhum Presby Primary School; Ajumako Catholic School
Secondary: Wesley Girls’ High School (Ordinary Level); Achimota School (Advanced Level)
Tertiary: University of Ghana (B.A. in Law and Sociology, 1984); Ghana School of Law (Graduated 1986); International Institute of Social Studies, Netherlands (Postgraduate Diploma in International Law and Organization, 2001); Golden Gate University School of Law, USA (Master of Laws in Intellectual Property Law, 2011)
Marital Status: Married to Francis Kofi Torkornoo
Children: Four daughters—Seyiram, Matita, Selasi, and Edem; three grandchildren
Career Highlights: 1994: Joined Fugar & Co. law firm in Accra as a director
1997-2004: Co-founded and served as Managing Partner of Sozo Law Consult
2004-2012: Served as Justice of the High Court of Ghana
2012-2019: Served as Justice of the Court of Appeal
2019-Present: Appointed as Justice of the Supreme Court of Ghana
June 12, 2023: Sworn in as the 15th Chief Justice of Ghana
Notable Contributions: Led the automation of court processes as Chair of the E-Justice Committee
Served as Supervising Judge of the Commercial Courts since 2013
Chaired the Technical Working Group on Enforcing Contracts, influencing significant legal reforms
Personal Interests: An author of books, plays, academic essays, articles, and presentations
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo Date of Birth and Age
Gertrude Torkornoo was born on 11 September 1962, which makes her 62 years old as of 2025
Early Life and Education of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo
Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo was born on September 11, 1962, in Cape Coast, Ghana, to Abraham Kofi Sackey and Comfort Aba Sackey, both of whom were teachers. She is the second of five siblings and hails from Winneba in the Central Region of Ghana.
Her educational journey began at Suhum Presby Primary School in 1966, followed by Ajumako Catholic School in 1969, where she completed her primary education. She then attended Ajumako Methodist School from 1969 to 1973.
In 1973, she enrolled at Wesley Girls’ High School, earning her Ordinary Level Certificate in 1978, and continued at Achimota School from 1978 to 1980 for her Advanced Level Certificate.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Law and Sociology from the University of Ghana in 1984, and qualified as a lawyer from the Ghana School of Law in 1986.
Furthering her studies internationally, she obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in International Law and Organization in 2001 from the International Institute of Social Studies (Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands).
In 2011, she completed a Master of Laws (LL.M) in Intellectual Property Law from Golden Gate University School of Law in the USA.
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Career of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo began her legal career by volunteering at FIDA Legal Aid Service, where she also completed her national service.
She later joined Fugar & Co., a law firm in Accra, as an associate lawyer. She also interned with Nabarro Nathanson in London before returning to Fugar & Co. in 1994, where she became a director.
In January 1997, she co-founded Sozo Law Consult and worked as the Managing Partner until May 14, 2004, when she was appointed as a Justice of the High Court of Ghana.
She served in that role until October 2012, when she was elevated to the Court of Appeal.
In November 2019, she was nominated to the Supreme Court of Ghana and was sworn in on December 17, 2019.
Judicial Leadership and Reforms
As Chair of the E-Justice Committee, Justice Torkornoo led the digital transformation of Ghana’s judicial system, introducing court automation, electronic resources, and modern software across all court levels.
Since 2013, she has also served as the Supervising Judge of the Commercial Courts, setting strategic directions and leading the Users Committee meetings.
She spearheaded the Business Environment Engineering Project (BEEP), funded by the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID).
Her leadership influenced the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MOTI) in introducing Users Committees in various public institutions and contributed significantly to national business environment reforms.
Justice Torkornoo also chairs the Technical Working Group on Enforcing Contracts, pushing for key legal reforms to improve justice delivery in commercial law.
Outcomes from BEEP under her leadership include Improved data collection and monitoring in the Judiciary, Post-judgment and execution reforms, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) integration in Commercial Courts, and the passage of the High Court (Civil Procedure) Amendment Rules 2020 (CI 133).
Committees and Notable Contributions
Faculty and Governing Board Member of the Judicial Training Institute
Vice Chair of the Internship and Clerkship Committee (since 2012)
Chair of the E-Judgment Committee (since 2010)
Chair of the Publications and Editorial Committee of the Association of Magistrates and Judges of Ghana (since 2006)
Member of the Law Reform Commission (since 2016)
She was also a member of the seven-member Supreme Court panel that heard the 2020 presidential election petition filed by John Mahama against the Electoral Commission of Ghana and President Nana Akufo-Addo.
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo’s Personal Life
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo is a distinguished Ghanaian judge known for her significant contributions to the country’s judiciary.
Born on September 11, 1962, in Cape Coast, Ghana, she hails from Winneba in the Central Region.
She is the second of five siblings and the daughter of the late Mr. Abraham Kofi Sackey and Mrs. Comfort Aba Sackey, both esteemed educators.
In November 1989, she married Mr. Francis Kofi Torkornoo, a respected pharmacist.
Their union is blessed with four daughters: Seyiram, Matita, Selasi, and Edem. They also have three grandchildren.
Justice Torkornoo’s personal life reflects a harmonious balance between her demanding professional responsibilities and her commitment to family.
A heartwarming moment capturing her and her husband leaving Parliament was widely shared, endearing them to many Ghanaians.
Appointment of Justice Gertrude Torkornoo to the Supreme Court of Ghana
Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo was officially nominated to the Supreme Court of Ghana on November 12, 2019, by President Nana Akufo-Addo.
She was nominated alongside Justice Mariama Owusu and Justice Avril Lovelace-Johnson, all then Appeal Court Judges.
The nominations were to fill vacancies left by the retirement of Justices Vida Akoto-Bamfo, Sophia Adinyira and the upcoming retirement of Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo.
Vetting and Parliamentary Approval
In line with Article 144 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, the President consulted the Council of State before submitting the nominees to Parliament.
On December 10, 2019, Justice Torkornoo appeared before the Appointments Committee of Parliament.
During her vetting, she highlighted the significance of the E-Justice System, a major reform to digitize the judicial process. She also emphasized the use of monitoring and evaluation tools in the judiciary, The need for cultural and attitudinal change in courtrooms, the importance of restrictive timelines to prevent case delays, zero tolerance for gifts to judicial officers, except from immediate family, and a call for a national conversation on corruption, stressing its impact across all sectors.
Her performance was praised, and she, along with her colleagues, was unanimously approved by the committee. On Friday, December 13, 2019, Parliament confirmed the nominations.
Swearing-In Ceremony
On Tuesday, December 17, 2019, Justice Torkornoo was officially sworn into office by President Nana Akufo-Addo at a ceremony in Accra.
She took the Oath of Allegiance, Judicial Oath, and the Oath of Secrecy, and received her instruments of office.
During the ceremony, President Akufo-Addo charged the new justices to uphold the law impartially, without political, religious, or ethnic bias, maintain independence, integrity, and moral character in their rulings, and deliver sound, well-reasoned judgments rooted in legal precedent.
He emphasized that the Supreme Court plays a vital role in interpreting the Constitution, protecting civil liberties, and ensuring justice for all.
Appointment of Justice Gertrude Torkornoo as Chief Justice of Ghana
Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo was officially nominated as the Chief Justice of Ghana by President Nana Akufo-Addo on April 26, 2023.
Her nomination came ahead of the retirement of Chief Justice Kwasi Anin-Yeboah on May 24, 2023.
The President decided, after consultations with the Judicial Council and the Attorney General, to ensure a smooth transition in the leadership of the Judiciary.
President Akufo-Addo, in his nomination letter to the Council of State, described Justice Torkornoo as highly qualified, citing her 19 years of judicial experience and her service on the Supreme Court since 2019.
Vetting and Parliamentary Approval
Justice Torkornoo’s nomination was forwarded to Parliament’s Appointments Committee for review. On May 26, 2023, she was vetted by the committee, during which she addressed critical national issues, including judicial emoluments, demolition of judges’ residences, reforms at the Ghana School of Law, Custodial sentencing, and the importance of judicial independence
Justice Torkornoo also promised to uphold the rule of law, interpret laws impartially, and maintain the integrity of the Judiciary.
Following the vetting, the Appointments Committee unanimously recommended her approval, and on June 7, 2023, Parliament officially approved her appointment as Chief Justice.
The committee praised her competence, legal expertise, and integrity, with Members of Parliament from both sides showing overwhelming support.
Swearing-In Ceremony
On June 12, 2023, Justice Torkornoo was sworn in as the 15th Chief Justice of Ghana by President Nana Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House in Accra.
She became the third female Chief Justice in Ghana’s history, following Justice Georgina Theodora Wood and Justice Sophia Akuffo.
At the ceremony, President Akufo-Addo commended her dedication, leadership, and experience, expressing confidence in her ability to strengthen Ghana’s judicial system.
He reaffirmed his commitment to a harmonious working relationship between the Executive and Judiciary, grounded in constitutional values and the rule of law.
Vision as Chief Justice
In her acceptance speech, Chief Justice Torkornoo pledged to modernize the Judiciary through the introduction of technology and digital systems. She emphasized the need to enhance transparency and efficiency, restore public trust in the judicial system, and promote access to justice for all citizens
Her appointment marks a historic milestone and signals a strong commitment to judicial reform and transformation in Ghana.
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo Net Worth
The net worth of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo varies widely according to estimates found online, with some sources suggesting figures around $1.2 billion
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo Legacy and Impact
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has left a lasting mark on Ghana’s judicial system through her pioneering reforms, strong ethical leadership, and commitment to digital transformation.
She championed the E-Justice system, led key business law reforms, and played a major role in streamlining court processes through technology and policy.
As a firm advocate for judicial integrity, she promoted accountability and transparency, rejecting corruption and pushing for high ethical standards.
Her work in mentorship and legal training has helped shape the next generation of Ghanaian judges.
Justice Torkornoo also stands as a powerful symbol for women in leadership, being the third female Chief Justice in Ghana’s history.
Her impact continues to strengthen trust in the judiciary, improve access to justice, and modernize Ghana’s legal system.
Some Facts About Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo
1. First Female Chief Justice in Ghana’s Recent History: She became the 15th Chief Justice of Ghana on June 12, 2023, and is only the third woman to ever hold this prestigious position, following Justices Georgina Theodora Wood and Sophia Akuffo.
2. Digital Pioneer: As Chair of the E-Justice Committee, she led the modernization and automation of Ghana’s judicial system, significantly improving court efficiency through the introduction of electronic resources and software.
3. Experience: She boasts over 19 years of experience in the judiciary, having served in various roles, from Justice of the High Court to Supreme Court Judge.
4. Academic Achievements: Justice Torkornoo is highly educated, with degrees from University of Ghana, Ghana School of Law, the International Institute of Social Studies, and Golden Gate University School of Law.
5. Advocate for Commercial Law Reform: She led the Business Environment Engineering Project (BEEP), which improved Ghana’s business climate through legal reforms in commercial law, including Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
6. Global Experience: She interned with Nabarro Nathanson in London, giving her international exposure and experience in diverse legal systems.
7. Family Oriented: Chief Justice Torkornoo is married to Francis Kofi Torkornoo, a pharmacist, and they have four daughters and three grandchildren.
8. Literary Contributions: Beyond her judicial work, she is also a writer and has authored books, academic essays, and plays.
9. Judicial Influence: Torkornoo was part of the seven-member panel that heard the 2020 presidential election petition in Ghana, showcasing her significant role in the nation’s high-stakes political decisions.
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo Social Media Handles
Twitter:
@CJ_TorkornooGH
@Justice_Torkornoo
@GertrudeTorkornooInstagram:
@ChiefJustice_Torkornoo
@Justice_Torkornoo_GH
@GertrudeTorkornooLinkedIn:
linkedin.com/in/justice-gertrude-torkornoo
linkedin.com/in/chief-justice-gertrude-torkornooFacebook:
@ChiefJusticeTorkornoo
@JusticeGertrudeTorkornooGH
@GertrudeTorkornooGHYouTube:
@JusticeTorkornooOfficial
@CJ_TorkornooGH
FAQs
1. Who is Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo?
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, born on September 11, 1962, in Cape Coast, Ghana, is a distinguished judge and author.
She currently serves as the 15th Chief Justice of Ghana, having been sworn into office on June 12, 2023.
She has held various judicial positions, including Justice of the High Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court of Ghana.
2. What is Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo’s educational background?
Justice Torkornoo completed her secondary education at Wesley Girls’ High School and Achimota School in Ghana.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Law and Sociology from the University of Ghana in 1984 and graduated from the Ghana School of Law in 1986.
She furthered her studies with a Postgraduate Diploma in International Law and Organization from the International Institute of Social Studies in the Netherlands in 2001 and a Master of Laws in Intellectual Property Law from Golden Gate University School of Law in the USA in 2011.
3. What roles has Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo played in judicial reforms in Ghana?
As Chair of the E-Justice Committee, Justice Torkornoo led the automation of court processes, introducing electronic resources and software across all court levels.
She also served as the Supervising Judge of the Commercial Courts since 2013, setting strategic directions and leading initiatives like the Business Environment Engineering Project (BEEP), which aimed to improve Ghana’s business climate through legal reforms.
4. Has Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo been involved in any significant legal proceedings?
Yes, Justice Torkornoo was part of the seven-member panel that heard the 2020 presidential election petition filed by John Mahama against the Electoral Commission of Ghana and President Nana Akufo-Addo.
5. What is Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo’s contribution to legal education and training?
Justice Torkornoo has served as a faculty member and Governing Board member of the Judicial Training Institute.
She has also been the Vice Chair of the Internship and Clerkship Committee since 2012 and has chaired the Publications and Editorial Committee of the Association of Magistrates and Judges of Ghana since 2006.
6. What are Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo’s literary contributions?
Beyond her judicial work, Justice Torkornoo is an accomplished author, having written books, plays, academic essays, articles, and presentations.
7. What message does Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo have for citizens regarding the electoral system?
Chief Justice Torkornoo has encouraged citizens to have confidence in Ghana’s electoral system, emphasizing the importance of trust and participation in the democratic process.
In conclusion
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has had an outstanding and transformative career in Ghana’s judiciary.
From her early education to her distinguished career in law, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership, particularly in her role in judicial reforms and the promotion of digital transformation within the legal system.
Her work as the Chair of the E-Justice Committee, her contributions to the Commercial Courts, and her leadership in national business environment reforms have had a lasting impact on Ghana’s legal and business frameworks.
Her appointment as Chief Justice in 2023 marks a significant milestone in her career and Ghana’s judicial history.
She is known for her integrity, commitment to justice, and innovative approach to improving the legal system, and her leadership continues to inspire confidence in the judiciary.
Through her service, she has been a champion of legal education, reform, and fair justice delivery in Ghana.
Her contributions have solidified her legacy as one of Ghana’s most respected judicial figures.
