Suspended Ghanaian Chief Justice Challenges Removal at ECOWAS Court

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📍 Abuja, Nigeria — July 15, 2025
Suspended Chief Justice of Ghana Gertrude Torkornoo has filed a human rights lawsuit against the Government of Ghana at the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, alleging that her suspension constitutes an unconstitutional removal from office and violates her right to fair administrative justice.

🧑‍⚖️ Background to the Case
Justice Torkornoo was suspended on April 22, 2025, by President John Mahama following the submission of three petitions to the Council of State calling for her removal. A five-member Committee of Inquiry was subsequently appointed to investigate the allegations, which reportedly include abuse of office and procurement irregularities.

Torkornoo has challenged the legality of the suspension in Ghana’s Supreme Court and High Court, arguing that the president’s letter failed to specify the charges or provide a reasoned prima facie determination, as required under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.

📜 Claims Before ECOWAS Court
Filed on July 4, 2025, the ECOWAS suit seeks:

• A declaration that her suspension violated her right to a fair hearing and dignity under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights
• An order to lift the suspension and halt the ongoing inquiry
• A directive for Ghana to establish clear procedural rules for investigating misconduct allegations against the Chief Justice
• $10 million in compensation for reputational and moral damages

Torkornoo contends that the suspension has impaired her ability to serve in a constitutionally appointed role and exposed her to public ridicule. She also questions the impartiality of the inquiry committee, citing potential conflicts of interest among its members.

🗣️ National and Regional Implications
In a public address on June 25, Torkornoo described the proceedings as a threat to Ghana’s democracy and judicial independence, stating:

“The perversion of law, rules, and due process… renders the proceedings unconstitutional”.

The government, through spokesperson Felix Ofosu, maintains that the suspension was lawful and consistent with constitutional provisions.

Legal analysts warn that the ECOWAS Court may dismiss the case on admissibility grounds, as similar claims are still pending before Ghana’s domestic courts. However, the outcome could set a precedent for safeguarding judicial independence across West Africa.

For full coverage, see reports from GhanaWeb, JURIST, and DailyGuide Network.