ECOWAS court dismisses Torkornoo’s case against Ghana

The ECOWAS Court of Justice has dismissed a case filed by former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo against Ghana, rejecting all claims and compensation requests.

The ruling brings an end to the former Chief Justice’s legal challenge against her suspension and removal from office, which she argued violated her fundamental rights under regional human rights laws.

“The Court makes no decision on reparations,” Deputy Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Srem-Sai said, explaining that the court found no violation of the applicant’s rights.

Justice Torkornoo had asked the regional court to declare that Ghana breached her rights and sought compensation amounting to US$10 million. However, the court dismissed all seven claims brought before it.

“Ghana has not violated any of the Applicant’s rights under the African Charter as alleged,” the ECOWAS Court held in its judgment.

The former Chief Justice argued that the processes leading to her suspension and removal from office denied her a fair hearing and violated protections guaranteed under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

“All seven claims have been dismissed,” Justice Srem-Sai stated while outlining the outcome of the case.

The ruling effectively ends Justice Torkornoo’s bid for compensation and legal redress at the ECOWAS Court, marking a significant victory for the Ghanaian state.

“The Court declined all the reliefs sought by the applicant,” Justice Srem-Sai noted following the judgment.

The case attracted widespread public attention in Ghana, with legal observers closely monitoring the proceedings due to their implications for judicial independence and constitutional governance.