The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice has dismissed all seven claims brought by former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo against the Republic of Ghana, according to Deputy Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Justice Srem-Sai.
Justice Torkornoo had challenged her suspension and removal from office before the regional court, arguing that the actions violated her rights under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The ECOWAS Court had earlier addressed preliminary objections and procedural applications relating to the matter before proceeding to determine the substantive claims.
Court rejects compensation request
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, June 24, Dr Srem-Sai disclosed that the court dismissed all the claims and declined to award the US$10 million in damages sought by the former Chief Justice.
According to him, the court found that Ghana had not violated any of the rights alleged in the application and, therefore, there was no basis for compensation.
Quoting portions of the judgment, the Deputy Attorney-General said:
“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 ends the proceedings initiated by Justice Torkornoo before the ECOWAS Court.
Deputy Attorney-General praises legal team
Reacting to the ruling, Dr Srem-Sai commended the legal team that represented Ghana before the regional court.
He praised the state attorneys involved in the case and expressed appreciation for the research and preparation they undertook in defending the country’s position.
According to him, the team’s efforts played a key role in securing a favourable outcome for Ghana in the matter.
