International Criminal Court (ICC) Chief Prosecutor, Karim Khan, has visited the Chief Justice of Ghana, Mrs Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, in a significant meeting held at her office in Accra.
Accompanied by several judges, including Justice Afia Serwa Asare-Botwe and Dr. Ernest Owusu-Dapaa from the Court of Appeal, and Circuit Court Judge Jojo Hagan, Khan expressed his appreciation for Ghana’s robust legal framework and commitment to the rule of law.
During the visit, Khan stated that his trip to Ghana was long overdue, driven by both personal and professional motivations.
He praised Ghana’s reputation for political stability and its role as a beacon of inclusivity and community cohesion in a polarised global environment.
“Ghana’s position on the United Nations Security Council enhances its influence on the world stage,” he noted.
Emphasising the ICC’s close relationship with Ghana, Khan announced plans to address students at the University of Ghana, emphasising the importance of cooperation between national legal systems and the ICC.
“We are not an apex court, but we are here to support you in upholding the Constitution and delivering justice,” he said.
Khan, introduced the ICC’s new policy on complementarity and cooperation, which aims to strengthen partnerships with national legal frameworks.
He is scheduled to meet with Minister of Justice and Attorney General to discuss collaborative efforts.
On a personal note, Khan shared his deep connection to Ghana, recalling fond memories of the late Maulvi Dr. Wahab Adam, a former Emir of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Ghana, who significantly influenced his early life.
“The first African I ever met was Ghanaian, and he had a profound effect on me,” Khan reminisced.
He expressed his honor in meeting key figures in Ghana’s judiciary and government, including the Chief Justice and the President, before his departure.
His visit underscores the ICC’s commitment to fostering international legal cooperation and support for justice systems worldwide.
