Omanghana
The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice has unanimously dismissed all claims brought by Ghana’s former Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo, against the Republic of Ghana, bringing an end to her regional legal challenge over her suspension and removal from office.
The ruling, delivered on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, also rejected her request for $10 million in damages, concluding that Ghana did not violate any of her human rights during the disciplinary and removal process.
Court Finds No Human Rights Violations
In its judgment, the sub-regional court held that the actions taken by the Ghanaian state complied with due process and did not breach protections guaranteed under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The panel ruled that there was no infringement on Justice Torkornoo’s rights to a fair hearing, dignity, access to information, or the right to work. As a result, the court found no legal basis for awarding compensation or ordering her reinstatement.
The judges further stated that Ghana’s constitutional and administrative procedures were properly followed from the initial suspension through to her eventual removal from office.
No Compensation or Reinstatement Granted
The court explicitly denied all major reliefs sought by the former Chief Justice, including:
- The requested $10 million in damages
- Reinstatement to her position as Chief Justice
- Reappointment to the Supreme Court bench
With no human rights violations established, the court concluded it had no grounds to impose financial or institutional remedies against the Ghanaian state.
Background to the Legal Dispute
The case stems from a series of disciplinary proceedings initiated after multiple misconduct petitions were filed against Justice Torkornoo during her tenure.
Following consultations with the Council of State, she was suspended while a formal investigative committee—chaired by Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang—was established to examine the allegations.
While the investigation was ongoing, Justice Torkornoo filed a case at the ECOWAS Court in Abuja, Nigeria, arguing that her suspension amounted to an unlawful and pre-emptive removal from office.
After the committee concluded its work and made findings of culpability, she was permanently removed from office on September 1, 2025. She was later succeeded by Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie. Her ECOWAS application was subsequently amended in January 2026 to reflect her final dismissal.
Government Welcomes Ruling
Reacting to the judgment, Ghana’s Deputy Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, described the decision as a strong endorsement of the country’s legal and constitutional processes.
He commended the state’s legal team for what he described as extensive preparation and commitment in defending the case.
Defence Team Expresses Disappointment
However, lead counsel for the former Chief Justice, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Falana, expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling, arguing that it reflected a tendency to favour state authorities over individual protections in regional human rights litigation.
The judgment brings a formal close to one of the most closely watched judicial disputes in the ECOWAS regional court system in recent years.
Source: Omanghana
