West Africa’s top human rights court rejected former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo’s bid for reinstatement and $10 million in compensation on Wednesday, ruling Ghana violated none of her rights.
The Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), sitting in Abuja, dismissed all seven claims Torkornoo had filed against Ghana. The court held that Ghana did not violate her rights to fair hearing, dignity, information, and work under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and dismissed all reliefs she sought.
President John Dramani Mahama suspended Torkornoo on April 22, 2025 under Article 146 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution after petitions alleging misbehaviour and misuse of public funds were filed against her. A committee established to investigate the petitions found her culpable after examining one of the three petitions filed, and the court found the committee acted within its discretionary powers in doing so. Mahama removed her from office on September 1, 2025. Her legal team, led by Nigerian human rights advocate Femi Falana, brought the case to the ECOWAS court arguing the process violated her fundamental rights.
The court rejected each argument. On fair hearing, it held that the right applied from the establishment of the investigative committee, not from the earlier stage when the President consulted the Council of State. Security measures applied during proceedings, including body searches and the use of Adu Lodge as the venue, were found lawful and proportionate.
The court also rejected Torkornoo’s argument that she retained membership of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and High Court after her removal as Chief Justice. The judges said it would be “absurd” to hold that a person could be removed as Chief Justice while still retaining court positions that flowed from that office.
On jurisdiction, the court ruled it lacked authority to reassess evidence considered by the investigative committee, holding that such matters belonged before Ghana’s domestic courts.
The $10 million compensation claim, which Torkornoo sought for alleged moral and reputational damage, was also dismissed. With no rights violations established, the court found no basis for reparations.
Deputy Attorney General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai announced the outcome on social media Wednesday, describing it as a complete victory for Ghana.
Legal practitioner Thaddeus Sory offered a short reaction: “The law is the law.”
Representatives for Torkornoo had not issued a public statement at the time of publication.
