ECOWAS Court clears Ghana in full as Torkornoo’s US$10m claim collapses
The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice has dismissed in its entirety all seven claims filed by former Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Gertrude Torkornoo, in her case against the Republic of Ghana, delivering a decisive ruling that clears the State of any breach of her alleged rights.
The judgment, which has since been shared publicly by Deputy Attorney-General Justice Srem-Sai on Facebook on Wednesday, June 24, brings finality to a closely watched legal battle that had placed Ghana’s judicial and constitutional processes under regional scrutiny.
In his post, Justice Srem-Sai confirmed that the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice found no violation of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights as claimed by the former Chief Justice.
On the key relief sought, a staggering US$10 million in damages, the Court was unequivocal.
“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 ruling stated.
In effect, the Court held that once no rights violation had been established, there was no legal basis to consider compensation.
The suit, which listed seven separate claims against the Ghanaian State, was dismissed in full.
Justice Torkornoo had dragged the Republic before the regional court, alleging violations of her rights following her removal as chief justice.
Ghana, through its legal representatives, mounted a robust defence, insisting that all actions taken were in line with constitutional and procedural requirements.
The ECOWAS Court, after reviewing submissions from both sides, sided with the State, holding that no breach of rights had occurred under the African Charter.
Following the ruling, Justice Srem-Sai praised the legal team representing Ghana, describing their work as thorough and exhaustive.
“Thanks again to our team of illustrious State Attorneys who put in hours and hours of research to support the Republic’s defence,” he wrote.
