Suspended Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, has filed a fresh legal action against the Republic of Ghana at the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice in Abuja, Nigeria, challenging her ongoing suspension and alleging multiple human rights violations.
Deputy Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, confirmed the development on Tuesday on his Facebook page, stating that the suit was filed on July 4.
“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,” Dr. Srem-Sai said.
According to him, the ECOWAS filing reiterates allegations of human rights violations that are also the subject of ongoing cases before Ghana’s Supreme Court and High Court, in relation to the removal proceedings currently being undertaken against the Chief Justice.
Justice Torkornoo, according to the deputy A-G, argues that her suspension effectively amounts to a removal from office without a final determination, thus undermining her constitutional right to function in a position to which she was duly appointed.
Background to the Suspension
Justice Torkornoo was suspended on April 22, 2025, following the establishment of a prima facie case against her after the receipt of three separate petitions. Her suspension, carried out in line with Article 146(6) of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, was done in consultation with the Council of State.
Subsequently, a five-member committee chaired by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang was appointed by the President to investigate the allegations.
However, the suspended Chief Justice has consistently raised serious concerns over her treatment during the inquiry process. She has accused the committee of actions that she claims amount to abuse and violation of her fundamental human rights. These include:
- Invasive body searches
- Confiscation of her mobile devices and laptop
- Denial of access to her family during hearing sessions
Her legal challenge at the ECOWAS Court adds an international dimension to what is already one of the most significant judicial controversies in Ghana’s recent legal history.
The ECOWAS Court has yet to set a date for hearing the case.
