Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, the current Chief Justice of Ghana, holds one of the highest judicial positions in the country.
Appointed to the Supreme Court in November 2019, she was formally approved by Parliament in December and sworn in on December 17, 2019.
Her position and achievements are notable, but her husband, Francis Kofi Torkornoo, also holds a prominent place in Ghana’s public service sector.
Here’s a closer look at who he is and his contributions.
Who is Francis Kofi Torkornoo?
Francis Kofi Torkornoo is married to Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, a prominent figure in Ghana’s judiciary.
According to Yen Ghana, they tied the knot in November 1989 and have remained together for over three decades.
Together, they have four daughters: Seyiram, Matita, Selasi, and Edem.
Francis Torkornoo’s Career and Public Service

Francis Kofi Torkornoo is known for his work in public administration, particularly in roles related to law enforcement and organized crime prevention.
In 2015, a report by Daily Graphic indicates that, he was one of the primary advocates for the Narcotics Control Commission Bill, a significant piece of legislation aimed at improving the country’s control over illegal drugs.
He collaborated with the Interior Ministry, members of Parliament, and other relevant stakeholders to push for the bill’s passage, which finally occurred in 2019. This legislation was a step toward reducing the impact of narcotics-related issues in Ghana.
His notable roles include:
Acting Director-General in 2020: In 2020, Francis Torkornoo was appointed as the Acting Director-General of NACOB.
CEO of the Narcotic Control Board (NACOB): Francis Kofi Torkornoo served as the Chief Executive Officer of NACOB under the administration of President Akufo-Addo. NACOB is responsible for combatting narcotics trafficking and drug abuse in Ghana. His role as CEO underscored his commitment to public safety and law enforcement.
Board Member of the Economic and Organized Crimes Office (EOCO): Francis also serves on the board of EOCO, an organization that investigates and combats economic crimes and organized criminal activities in Ghana.Â
The Torkornoo Family: Children and Achievements
Francis and Gertrude Torkornoo have raised four daughters, who have all pursued their own unique paths.
Among them, Selasi Esi Torkornoo recently made headlines by joining the Ghana Bar Association.
On October 20, 2023, she was sworn in as one of 1,075 new lawyers at a ceremony held at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC).