The Ecowas Court has ruled in favour of Ghana, dismissing all claims brought by former Chief Justice Torkonoo and denying her USD 10 million compensation claim after finding no human rights violations.
Deputy Attorney-General Dr Justice Sai represented Ghana, while the prominent Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, appeared for the former Chief Justice.
In its judgement, the court clarified that Torkonoo’s suspension did not breach her right to work, rejecting assertions that the action was arbitrary or malicious.
It further ruled that her removal followed due process rather than arbitrary dismissal.
The court described as absurd Torkonoo’s argument that she should have been removed separately from the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and High Court.
It ruled that her membership in those courts was a direct consequence of her role as Chief Justice, meaning she could no longer claim membership once removed from the head position.
Furthermore, the court dismissed the claim that the removal was unlawful because the investigating committee focused solely on the first petition while ignoring two others, concluding that the committee acted prudently to ensure judicial economy.
Claims regarding undignified treatment—specifically that she was searched, her family was excluded from the proceedings, and the venue choice was compromised—were also rejected. The court deemed the security and logistical measures both lawful and proportionate.
Additionally, the court ruled that the committee did not violate her rights by continuing proceedings while an application for provisional measures was pending.
It also dismissed the claim that Ghana withheld information, noting that while Torkonoo was entitled to the full report and case records, she failed to prove she had actually requested them before filing her lawsuit.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana