Chief Justice Georgina Wood announces retirement

Ghana’s first female Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Georgina Theodora Wood would be ending her tenure in eight months.

She has ahead of her departure asked her friends, colleagues and the entire country to pray for her indicating that “although it’s not ended, this is rather when I need His (God) grace and support more.”

Her ladyship is retiring later in May 2017 because per the statutes of Ghana, the Chief Justice like any other Justice of the Superior Courts, may voluntarily retire upon reaching the age of 60 or S/He can stay on until the compulsory retirement age of 70.

Madam Georgina Wood, 69 years was born on June 8, 1947 which means she attains the ripe old age of wisdom -70 in June 2017, hence her hint of exiting the position of the fourth highest arm of government.

She was appointed and sworn in by former President John Agyekum Kufour and assumed office on 15th June, 2007. Prior to that position, she had turned down an appointment to the Supreme Court by Former President Kufour in 2002 November.

With a beautiful career etched in the annals of Ghanaian history, Mrs Wood became popular in 2006 when she chaired the Georgina Wood Committee, was set up to investigate the disappearance of some 77 parcels of cocaine from a ship know as the MV Benjamin.

That high-profile case drew huge public attention which made the ‘Georgina Wood Commission’ a household name.

Addressing members of the Bench and Bar of the Ghanaian Judiciary at the special church service to open the 59th Legal Year, Her Ladyship Georgina Wood said “Brothers and sisters please thank the Lord for me.

Although its not ended, eight months more, this is rather when I need his grace and support more. I thank each one of you my colleagues on the Supreme Court who have faithfully worshipped with me year after year… I thank you all for your continuing prayer and support. I know thousands of people – that one is not lost on me… Thousands of people have borne me before the Lord and this is the reason why the Lord, in answer to their prayer, sustained me and kept me till this day.”

She continued by indicating that “one of the promises I believe in is what God says that if you give a cup of water to a prophet, you shall receive a prophets reward.

So for all those who have interceded for me, may the Lord meet each one of you at your point of need and may he bless you abundantly.”

She was preceded by George Kingsley Acquah and has been at the helm of affairs for 9 years 4 months.