Suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo is requesting the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice to compel the Republic of Ghana to pay her $10 million in compensation for what she describes as moral and reputational damages stemming from her suspension.
Justice Torkornoo contends that her April 22, 2025 suspension by President John Dramani Mahama, following advice from the Council of State, violated her right to a fair hearing as enshrined in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The Chief Justice was suspended after a prima facie case was established, prompting the formation of a five-member investigative committee chaired by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Pwamang. The committee is currently probing allegations of misconduct.
More than five lawsuits have been filed—mainly at the Supreme Court—by concerned citizens seeking to halt the committee’s work. Justice Torkornoo also appealed to the Supreme Court, citing violations of her rights, including:
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Being subjected to invasive searches
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Denied access to her electronic devices
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Alleged lack of independence in the investigative panel
After the Supreme Court dismissed her application, she proceeded to the High Court, where a ruling is still pending. Her legal team is now escalating the matter to the ECOWAS Court.
Reliefs Sought from ECOWAS Court
Justice Torkornoo’s legal team is asking the ECOWAS Court to:
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Declare that her suspension violates her human rights
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Rule that the investigative panel lacks the necessary independence
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Order the lifting of her suspension and reinstatement to office
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Award $10 million in damages for moral and reputational harm
