'CJ's unanimous approval good '- Joe Osei-Owusu

The Chairman of the Appointments Committee of Parliament, Joe Osei-Owusu, has commended the entire House for approving the nomination of Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo by consensus.

Ms Akuffo was approved by parliament on Monday June 19 and sworn into office the same day by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

Speaking to journalists after the swearing-in ceremony, Mr Osei-Owusu said: “The country should be happy that we had a consensus. The country should be happy that the usual controversies did not arise here.

“That should inform the new Chief Justice to work to ensure justice which she says is her philosophy. She should ensure that we respect the laws of the land, she should ensure that what the people expect of her is carried out.”

Meanwhile, the Chief Justice has said she would like to be remembered for establishing a financially independent judiciary at the end of her tenure.

In a speech at her induction into office on Monday June 19, Justice Akuffo said she was “passionate about integrity, the delivery of quality justice, and the development and stability of our nation and will strive to demonstrate such actions throughout my tenure…”

She emphasised: “The judiciary has diligently worked for and obtained a large measure of independence. This is, however, made incomplete by the lack of financial independence and that is an objective I would like to achieve during my tenure as Chief Justice”.