Suspended Chief Justice Drags Ghana to ECOWAS Court Over Alleged Rights Violations

Suspended Chief Justice of Ghana, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, has filed a fresh legal case against the Government of Ghana at the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice in Abuja, Nigeria, citing multiple breaches of her human rights.

Deputy Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr Justice Srem-Sai, disclosed the development on Tuesday via a post on Facebook, confirming that the suit was filed on July 4, 2025.

“I can confirm that the Chief Justice—Her Ladyship, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo—has filed another court case, this time at the ECOWAS Community Court in Abuja, Nigeria, against the Republic,” he stated.

According to him, the ECOWAS filing reasserts claims already before Ghana’s Supreme Court and High Court regarding what Justice Torkornoo describes as an unconstitutional removal from office through her continued suspension.

Suspension and Legal Fallout

Justice Torkornoo was suspended on April 22, 2025, after a prima facie case was established against her, based on three separate petitions. Her suspension followed the constitutional process under Article 146(6) and was done in consultation with the Council of State.

A five-member committee, chaired by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, was appointed by the President to probe the allegations.

However, Justice Torkornoo has consistently contested the manner in which the inquiry has been handled, alleging that her rights have been violated throughout the process.

Allegations of Abuse

In her latest legal move, the suspended Chief Justice accuses the investigative committee of subjecting her to invasive body searches, confiscating her personal devices including a mobile phone and laptop, and preventing her from seeing her family during hearings.

She argues that the ongoing suspension, without final determination, effectively removes her from office and violates her constitutional right to serve in the role to which she was duly appointed.

International Spotlight

The legal action before the ECOWAS Court marks a significant escalation in what is shaping up to be one of Ghana’s most high-profile judicial controversies in recent memory.

The ECOWAS Community Court has not yet announced a date for the hearing.

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