General News
Let your tenure be defined by modernization, order, and the rule of law, Akufo-Addo tells Chief Justice
President Akufo-Addo has urged the newly appointed Chief Justice of the Republic, Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, to do everything in her power to ensure that her tenure as Chief Justice of the Republic is marked by order, fairness, and unwavering respect for the rule of law.
He also charged Chief Justice Torkornoo with carrying on the expansion of the judicial service infrastructure programme begun by her immediate predecessor, Chief Justice (rtd) Anin Yeboah, and making the modernization of judicial functions her top priority during her tenure as Chief Justice.
High expectations
At a swearing-in ceremony held on Monday (12 June 2023) at a temporary auditorium constructed at Jubilee House, the country’s presidency, President Akufo-Addo delivered the Chief Justice the charge after giving the Oaths of Allegiance and Secrecy and the Judicial Oath to her.
“I have no doubt that Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo will be an effective leader of the judiciary, zealously defend its independence, constantly uphold its dignity, and be a worthy successor to Chief Justice Anin Yeboah,” he said.
“I am expectant that her tenure as Chief Justice will also be marked by order, fairness, diligence, deep-seated respect for the rule of law, and continuation of the modernisation of judicial functions and the expansion of judicial infrastructure,” President Akufo-Addo said.
Assurance of support
President Akufo-Addo promised Chief Justice Torkornoo and the whole Judicial Service in his statement that his administration will continue to provide the service with all essential assistance in carrying out their constitutional mission.
“I want to assure Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo that, just as I did with her predecessor, I will be a dependable and trustworthy partner of the judiciary, so that the executive and judiciary can work together in the spirit of mutual respect to consolidate the tenets of good governance for the benefit of the Ghanaian people,” Akufo-Addo said.
Overly qualified
On the new Chief Justice’s qualifications, President Akufo-Addo stated that the Council of State and every other body that participated in her nomination and approval vouch for her ability and credentials to serve as Chief Justice.
“The choice of Mrs 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 served with distinction on the bench in the superior courts of judicature, totalling 19 years – initially in the high court, then at the Court of Appeal and finally at the Supreme Court – and the considerable experience garnered as a result,” President Akufo-Addo said.
“In 2004, she was appointed by the second president of the Fourth Republic, His Excellency John Agyekum Kufuor, my own boss, to the high court, where she served for eight years.
“In October 2012, she was appointed by the fourth president of the Fourth Republic, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, as a justice of the Court of Appeal, a position she held for seven years.
“I had the honour on 17 December 2019 to appoint her to the Supreme Court. All three living presidents of the republic have each had a hand in her judicial advancement,” President Akufo-Addo said.
Budgetary support
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo accepted the duty to head the court, the third branch of government, “with utmost humility and a sense of deep obligation to the nation” in her investiture comments.
She promised to do everything she could for the Republic of Ghana.
Chief Justice Torkornoo also stated that the judiciary’s budget needs to be increased in order for the service to expand its infrastructure, particularly through its automation and digitalisation agenda, because “unquestionably, the efficiency of court processes and administration is assured with more deliberate use of technology.”
“As Chief Justice, I wish to express my determination to relentlessly seek the support of the legislature in matters of the budget of the judiciary and the support of both the executive and legislature for accelerated infrastructure in technology, and for innovative models of doing business with technology,” she said.
“The expansion of electronically accessed library services will require support. An increase in the percentage returned to the Judicial Service from our internally generated funds will greatly help to accelerate the work that needs to be done,” the Chief Justice argued.
“The raising of facilities to create world-class centres of judicial learning and exhibition of historical accounts around the development of justice systems will be a target for revenue creation,” Chief Justice Torkornoo added.
Legal education
Concerning legal education, Chief Justice Torkornoo stated that her statutory obligations “extend beyond the administration of justice to include oversight of legal learning as chair of the General Legal Council and the Board of Legal Education.”
According to Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, “The development of democracy has placed greater emphasis on the learning of law.”
“I stretch a humble hand to the Bar, institutions of legal learning, legislature and all stakeholders to assist with interventions for raising standards of excellence in the training of lawyers,” the Chief Justice said.
“For the danger of bad lawyering lies not only in losses for those represented but also decreased values in the nation’s economy. In assuring of quality legal learning, we can only win together,” she said.
Profile of CJ Torkornoo
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo is from Winneba in Ghana’s Central Region. She was born in Cape Coast on September 11, 1962. Wesley Girls’ High School (for her Ordinary Level certificate) and Achimota School (for her Advanced Level certificate) were her secondary schools.
She attended the University of Ghana and graduated from the Ghana School of Law in 1986. Torkornoo worked as a volunteer at the FIDA Legal Aid Service and interned at Nabarro Nathanson in London before joining Fugar & Co as a pupil associate.
In 1994, she returned to Fugar & Co as its director.
She joined Sozo Law Consult in January 1997 and served as managing partner until May 2004, when she was nominated to the Ghana High Court. She served on the Supreme Court until October 2012, when she was promoted to the Court of Appeal.
She was a Court of Appeal justice until her nomination for the position of Supreme Court Judge in November 2019. She was sworn in on December 17, 2019.
Torkornoo previously served as a supervising judge of the commercial courts, chair of the editorial committee of the Association of Magistrates and Judges, and chief editor for the Development of Judicial Ethics Training Manual.
She is also a vice-chair of the e-justice steering/oversight committee, vice-chair of the judiciary’s internship and clerkship programme, a faculty member of the Judicial Training Institute, and a member of the Judicial Training Institute’s governing board.
Source: Asaaseradio.com
Accra Institute of Technology (AIT) is a model of academic achievement in Ghana, providing a dynamic learning environment that encourages innovation and skill development. AIT has evolved as a premier school, impacting the future of students in a variety of professions, thanks to its commitment to offering outstanding education. In this detailed essay, we will look at the Accra Institute of Technology’s history, academic programmes, campus infrastructure, and overall influence.
History and Mission
Professor Clement Dzidonu, a visionary scholar and entrepreneur, launched AIT in 2009. The objective of the institution is to deliver world-class education that equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to flourish in a fast changing global context. AIT is dedicated to cultivating an environment of innovation, critical thinking, and ethical leadership.
Academic Programs
AIT provides a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate academic programmes in subjects such as engineering, business administration, computer technology, and health sciences. The programme is designed to match worldwide standards by incorporating practical experiences and industry-relevant abilities to prepare students for professional difficulties.
- Engineering Programs: AIT is well-known for its engineering programmes, which include Civil Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. These programmes integrate academic knowledge with practical practise, preparing students for influential jobs in the engineering sector.
- Business and Management: AIT’s School of Business offers Business Administration, Accounting, and Finance programmes. These programmes, which emphasise entrepreneurship and leadership abilities, provide students with the tools they need to negotiate the complexity of the corporate world.
- Information Technology (IT): AIT recognises the relevance of Information Technology (IT) in the digital era. The institute provides Computer Science, Information Technology Management, and Software Engineering programmes, preparing students for employment in the technology industry.
- Health Sciences: AIT’s School of Allied Health Sciences offers programmes in Medical Laboratory Technology and Public Health. These programmes respond to the increased demand for qualified workers in the healthcare and public health sectors.
Campus Facilities
The AIT campus is outfitted with cutting-edge amenities that promote a positive learning environment. Modern classrooms, well-equipped labs, a library with a huge range of academic materials, and leisure facilities are among them. The campus infrastructure represents AIT’s dedication to provide students with the resources they need for holistic learning.
Research and Innovation
AIT maintains a high focus on research and innovation, encouraging both teachers and students to participate in cutting-edge initiatives. The institute works with industrial partners and research institutions to address real-world difficulties and make advances in a variety of sectors.
International Collaborations
AIT has formed alliances with prestigious foreign universities and institutes, promoting a global perspective in its educational programmes. These alliances provide students exchange programmes, cooperative research activities, and exposure to a variety of cultural experiences.
Alumni Success Stories
The achievements of AIT’s graduates, who have succeeded in a variety of sectors and professions, represent the school’s success. AIT graduates are making major national and worldwide contributions to engineering, business, technology, and healthcare.
Conclusion
Accra Institute of Technology is a forerunner in Ghanaian higher education, committed to academic achievement, innovation, and holistic development. AIT continues to influence the future of its students and contribute to the progress of knowledge and technology in the area via its diversified programmes, cutting-edge research, and worldwide collaborations. AIT, as a learning and innovation hub, is critical in educating the next generation of leaders and professionals for the challenges and possibilities of the twenty-first century.
Seth Yormewu, the District Chief Executive for Anloga in the Volta Region, has urged Ghana Water Company Limited to make sachet and bottled water accessible on the market.
According to the DCE, the Company’s water is of good quality, but because it is not on the market, most residents are unaware of it and unable to purchase it.
Mr Yormewu made the request as the Company was distributing relief materials to those affected by the Akosombo Dam leakage in the region.
The Company’s Volta Regional Directorate, in partnership with its Head Office, distributed 1,000 sachet bags and 50 packs of bottled water to victims in the district.
G-WATER, a subsidiary of Ghana Water Company Limited, provided the victims with high-quality water.
The DCE also requested that the Company open an office in Anloga, stating that the area has 28 voting districts and that the creation would aid in the successful delivery of services to the people.
The GWCL’s Volta Regional Chief Manager, Mr Francis Lamptey, informed Ghana News Agency that the company will evaluate the application for the opening of an office in the area.
He said that a district required a minimum of 5,000 clients, but “if it is below, about 1,000 2,000, we do what we called sub district.”
Mr Lamptey stated that they would examine the data available to them and establish an office if the region has the requisite number.
The police have obtained a bench warrant for the search and arrest of an accused Fulani herdsman, Amadu Seeta, for obtaining a Ghana Card without following conventional operating protocols.
George Kwame Essien, an Assistant Technical Enrolment Officer (ATEO) of the National Identification Authority (NIA) at the Walewale District Office in the North East Region, who supported Seeta in registering for the Ghana Card, was convicted.
The NIA stated on November 30, 2023, in a statement, “On 26th November 2023, the Police Investigation Unit of NIA Head Office, Accra, initiated an inquiry into alleged misconduct by Mr George Kwame Essien. The investigation focused on the registration of an unqualified applicant, Amadu Seeta (currently at large), an alleged Fulani herdsman, who received an ECOWAS Identity Card without following standard operating procedures.”
The NIA has warned its employees and the general public not to break the law or the NIA’s Standard Operating Procedures.
It stated, “Persons found culpable will face the full consequences of the law.”
Read the statement by the NIA below
For Immediate Release:
NIA Addresses Misconduct Leading to Conviction of Assistant Technical Enrolment Officer.
The National Identification Authority (NIA) informs the public of the recent conviction of Mr. George Kwame Essien, an Assistant Technical Enrolment Officer (ATEO) of the Authority, at the Walewale District Office in the North East Region.
On 26th November 2023, the Police Investigation Unit of NIA Head Office, Accra, initiated an inquiry into alleged misconduct by Mr. George Kwame Essien. The investigation focused on the registration of an unqualified applicant, Amadu Seeta (currently at large), an alleged Fulani herdsman, who received an ECOWAS Identity Card without following standard operating procedures.
The investigation uncovered that on 25th September 2023, Essien registered Amadu Seeta without adhering to due process. Seeta did not meet the necessary registration requirements, prompting Essien to forge NIA Form One and an Oath of Identity Form belonging to Braimah Seini. Mr. Frank Donkor, an Assistant Registration Officer, detected irregularities and promptly retrieved the card from Seeta, who subsequently fled the scene. Following a comprehensive investigation, George Kwame Essien pleaded guilty on 29th November 2023 before the Tamale District Court II.
Consequently, he was convicted and sentenced to seven months’ imprisonment on count two (Forgery of Document, Contrary to section 158 of the Criminal Offences Act 1960, Act 29), and six months each on counts 1 (Abetment of Crime, Contrary to section 20(1) of the Criminal Offences Act 1960, Act 29, and section 40 (1) (A) of the National Identity Register Act 2008, Act 750), 3 (Causing an unauthorized interference with electronic records, Contrary to section 125 of the Electronic Transaction Act 2008, Act 772), and 4 (Causing an unauthorized modification of information, Contrary to section 40 (1) (g) of the National Identity Register Act 2008, Act 750), with all sentences to run concurrently. Essien has been handed over to the Tamale Prisons Authority to serve his sentence.
A bench warrant has been issued for the search and arrest of suspect Amadu Seeta, who remains at large, to stand trial.
Through this release, the NIA emphasizes to all staff and the general public that violations of the law and NIA’s Standard Operating Procedures will not be tolerated. Persons found culpable will face the full consequences of the law.
The NIA remains resolute and steadfast in its commitment to upholding the rule of law, without fear or favour, and promoting integrity, patriotism, and decency in the workplace.
End
Corporate Affairs Directorate
30th November 2023
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