Suspended Chief Justice of Ghana, Justice Gertrude Torkonoo, has filed a case at the ECOWAS Court of Justice, demanding $10 million in compensation from the Government of Ghana for what she describes as severe reputational and moral damages.
The legal action comes in the wake of her suspension, a move that has stirred widespread debate and sparked concerns over judicial independence in the country. In her application, Justice Torkonoo contends that her suspension was unlawful, politically motivated, and executed without due process, leading to irreversible harm to her image, integrity, and personal well-being.
According to her legal team, the $10 million claim reflects not only the reputational cost of the public fallout but also the emotional toll and long-standing damage to her judicial career.
Justice Torkonoo, who made history as Ghana’s third female Chief Justice, was suspended earlier this year under controversial circumstances. While the government cited procedural grounds, critics argue that the decision was hasty and lacked transparency.
The ECOWAS Court, based in Abuja, Nigeria, is expected to begin preliminary hearings in the coming weeks. The case could set a significant precedent for how member states in West Africa handle issues involving high-ranking judicial officers.
