Suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo is calling on the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice to order the Ghanaian government to pay her $10 million in compensation for moral and reputational damages.
Torkornoo asserts that her suspension breaches her right to a fair hearing, as guaranteed by the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Her suspension by President John Dramani Mahama occurred on April 22, 2025, following consultations with the Council of State, which concluded that a prima facie case warranted a comprehensive investigation.
Since then, a five-member team, led by Senior Supreme Court Judge Justice Gabriel Pwamang, has been tasked with the investigation.
In response, citizens have initiated over five legal actions, primarily at the Supreme Court, aiming to halt the committee’s activities.
The Chief Justice has also requested the Supreme Court to suspend proceedings, arguing that her rights were infringed upon during the investigation.
She claimed she faced rigorous searches before hearings and was prohibited from accessing her electronic devices. After the Supreme Court declined her request, she escalated the case to the High Court, which has not yet rendered a decision.
Meanwhile, her legal team is pursuing resolutions from the ECOWAS Court as well.
The legal representatives are seeking a declaration that her suspension constitutes a violation of human rights and that the panel investigating the misconduct allegations lacks the necessary independence.
Additionally, her legal team is requesting an order for the Republic of Ghana to lift the suspension and restore Torkornoo to her position, along with the $10 million in compensation for the moral and reputational damages she has endured as a result of her suspension.
