Ghana’s Chief Justice Nominee Stands Firm on the Side of Law in LGBTQ+ Debate

Chief Justice Nominee Gertrude Torkornoo Affirms Commitment to Upholding the Law on LGBTQ+ Issues

Gertrude Araba Esabaa Torkornoo, the nominee for Chief Justice in Ghana, has expressed her unwavering commitment to upholding the law when it comes to issues surrounding the LGBTQ+ community.

Currently, the Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill is under consideration by Parliament. Regarded by many as a legislation that opposes LGBTQ+ rights, the bill aims to criminalize homosexuality and related practices.

Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill Sparks Controversy Over LGBTQ+ Rights

During her appearance before the Appointment’s Committee of Parliament on May 26, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, a native of Winneba in the Central Region, was questioned about her stance on LGBTQ+ matters. In response, she emphasized that her thoughts are deeply rooted in the principles of the law whenever she steps into the courtroom.

approved, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo will make history as the third female Chief Justice in Ghana, following in the footsteps of Justices Georgina Theodora Wood and Sophia Akuffo.

Justice Kwasi Anin Yeboah, the previous Chief Justice, recently retired on May 24, 2023, as he reached the mandatory retirement age of 70 for justices of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.