Gertrude Torkornoo stresses commitment to upholding LGBTQ+ law

The nomination of Gertrude Araba Esabaa Torkornoo for the position of Chief Justice has sparked discussions on her stance regarding LGBTQ+ matters in Ghana. Currently, the Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill is under review by Parliament, with many perceiving it as an anti-LGBTQ+ legislation aiming to criminalize homosexuality and related practices.

During her appearance before the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Friday, May 26, Torkornoo was questioned about her views on LGBTQ+ issues. In response, she emphatically stated, “I think I have made it clear that when I walk into the court, all my thoughts are soaked in the law.”

If approved, Torkornoo, a native of Winneba in the Central Region, will become the third female Chief Justice in Ghana’s history, following in the footsteps of Justices Georgina Theodora Wood and Sophia Akuffo. She will succeed Justice Kwasi Anin Yeboah, who reached the mandatory retirement age of 70 for justices of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court on May 24, 2023.

Addressing concerns of bias within the Supreme Court, Torkornoo took the opportunity to shed light on several matters of public interest. She refuted claims that the court exhibits bias when delivering rulings on political cases, stating that a unanimous decision by the apex court reflects adherence to the law rather than any influence of bias.

“When you encounter a unanimous decision, it signifies that the law unequivocally supports the position taken by the court. Each member of the court, in fidelity to their judicial oath, cannot take a different position. It indicates that this is what the law states. So the only response is to learn from what the law says. It is not a matter of bias; it is a matter of the legal position,” explained Justice Torkornoo.

SOURCE: Coverghana.com.gh