ECOWAS Court dismisses Torkornoo’s claims against Ghana
The case was filed after Justice Torkornoo challenged processes connected to her suspension and removal from office.
The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice has dismissed all seven claims filed by former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo against the Republic of Ghana.
Deputy Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Justice Srem-Sai, disclosed the outcome in a Facebook post on Wednesday, June 24.
The case was filed after Justice Torkornoo challenged processes connected to her suspension and removal from office.
She alleged that Ghana had violated her rights under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The former Chief Justice was also seeking US$10 million in damages.
According to Dr Srem-Sai, the regional court rejected the claims and declined to award the compensation sought.
He said the court found that Ghana had not breached any of the rights relied on by the former Chief Justice.
Quoting from the ruling, Dr Srem-Sai said the court held that because Ghana had not violated the applicant’s rights under the African Charter, there was no basis to consider reparations.
“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,” he quoted the court as saying.
The ruling brings to an end the claims Justice Torkornoo pursued before the ECOWAS Court.
The case had earlier involved preliminary objections and other procedural applications before the court considered the substantive claims.
Following the decision, Dr Srem-Sai commended the legal team that represented Ghana.
He singled out the state attorneys involved in the case for their research, preparation and work before the regional court.
He said their efforts contributed significantly to the successful defence of Ghana’s position.
The ruling marks another major development in the legal disputes that followed Justice Torkornoo’s removal from office.
