The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, has dismissed all seven claims brought by former Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo, against the Republic of Ghana, marking the end of the embattled former Supreme Court judge’s long-drawn-out legal battle.
The case arose from Justice Torkornoo’s challenge to her suspension and subsequent removal from office, which she argued violated her rights under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, June 24, Deputy Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Justice Srem-Sai disclosed that the regional court rejected all the claims advanced by the former Chief Justice and declined to award the US$10 million in damages she had sought.
According to the Deputy Attorney-General, the court found no evidence that Ghana had violated any of the rights cited in the application.
Quoting the court’s ruling, Dr. Srem-Sai stated: “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 decision effectively brings to a close the legal action pursued by Justice Torkornoo before the ECOWAS Court.
The Deputy Attorney-General welcomed the outcome and commended the legal team that represented the Republic of Ghana in the proceedings.
He particularly praised the state attorneys involved in the case, noting that their extensive research, preparation and advocacy contributed significantly to the successful defence of Ghana’s position before the regional court.
The ruling marks a significant development in the high-profile dispute surrounding the former Chief Justice’s tenure and removal from office, with the ECOWAS Court finding no basis for the allegations of rights violations advanced in the application.
