Judges Do Not Receive Ex Gratia- Justice Gertrude Torkornoo

Chief Justice nominee Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo has said that Judges do not receive ex gratia as alleged by some people in the country.

In addressing a question posted to her based on Article 71 (1) of the 1992 Constitution which highlights the salaries and allowances of the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary paid through the Consolidated Fund, Justice Gertrude said the Association of Magistrates and Judges earlier explained that Judges are excluded from ex gratia since they continue to serve the nation and receive their due salaries.

“The Association of Magistrates and Judges once addressed this issue that Judges do not receive ex gratia and I want to emphasize on it that we do not receive ex gratia although Chapter Eight, Article 71 (1. B) explains some benefits or allowances that are allocated to the members of the Legislature, Executive and the Judiciary”

“We continue in the office. We don’t go anywhere till we retire. We don’t have a cycle. The taking of ex gratia is not applicable to us”, she added.

Moreover, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo urged clients never to fall prey to the hands of other Judges who may ask them to pay some amount in the name of presenting it to other High Court Judges to rule cases in their favour.

She urged all Judges to work wholeheartedly, be accountable, and be competent in delivering their services to the people of Ghana.