The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice has dismissed all seven claims brought by former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo against the Republic of Ghana, bringing to an end, at the regional level, a major legal challenge over her suspension and removal from office.
According to Deputy Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Justice Srem-Sai, the court also rejected her request for US$10 million in damages, finding no basis for compensation.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, June 24, Dr Srem-Sai said:
“The ECOWAS Community Court has, a while ago, dismissed all of the 7 claims which the former Chief Justice, Her Ladyship, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, brought against our beloved Republic.”
He further noted that on the issue of damages, the court held that:
“In light of the Court’s conclusions that Ghana has not violated any of the Applicant’s rights under the African Charter as alleged, the Court makes no decision on reparations.”
The case stemmed from Justice Torkornoo’s challenge to her suspension and removal from office, which she argued violated her rights under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. The matter had previously gone through preliminary objections and procedural hearings before the final ruling.
Dr Srem-Sai also praised the legal team representing the state, stating that government attorneys worked extensively to defend Ghana’s position throughout the proceedings.
With the ECOWAS Court’s decision, all claims at the regional level have now been resolved in favour of the Republic of Ghana.
