Chief Justice Torkonoo Chasing $10 Million Compensation From Government in Lawsuit at ECOWAS Court

• Chief Justice Getrude Torkonoo has sued the government for $10 million in compensation as part of fight against her impeachment
• Torkonoo has also maintained that her suspension from office violated her rights under the African Charter on Human and People's rights
• Suspended Chief Justice Getrude Torkornoo has said she will not step down office has she continues to be investigated

Chief Justice Getrude Torkonoo is demanding $10 million in compensation from the government amid attempts to impeach her.

Torkornoo's lawsuit, which is seeking to have her suspension removed, contends that she has suffered reputational damage.

The Law Platform published details of the lawsuit, which was filed on July 4.

She maintains that her suspension violated her rights under the African Charter on Human and People's Rights.

Torkornoo also said her right to dignity and protection from arbitrary measures had also been violated.

Among other things, she is seeking a declaration that the suspension violated the Applicant's human rights to a fair hearing guaranteed by Article 7 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights.

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She also wants an order lifting her suspension and a halt to the inquiry for her removal.

In comments on the legal contentions to YEN.com.gh, legal analyst Amanda Clinton said the nature of claims against the chief justice necessitated due process in the matter.

"While some allegations—such as her travel with family members or claims around per diem entitlements—appear either procedural or exaggerated, the Supreme Court’s own recent refusal to support her legal application indicates that there may be legitimate grounds for review."

"This does not necessarily suggest guilt but rather affirms the importance of allowing due process to unfold without further public interference."

Background to Torkornoo's legal troubles

President John Mahama has received five petitions for the removal of Torkonoo leading to her suspension.

A committee started probing Torkonoo based on the first three petitions, which have accused the chief justice of misconduct and abuse of power.

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Torkornoo, on May 21, unsuccessfully sued the committee set up by Mahama to investigate petitions seeking her removal from office.

According to court documents, the Chief Justice sought an order specifically barring Justices Gabriel Scott Pwamang and Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu, as well as other committee members, including Daniel Yao Domelevo, Major Flora Bazuwaaruah Dalugo, and Professor James Sefah Dziasah, from participating in the investigation.

Torkornoo has also complained about the choice of Osu Castle for the hearings, which is a security zone.

She also noted that this was at odds with previous similar inquiries conducted at the Judicial Service’s Court Complex.

The suspended Chief Justice further raised concerns about the committee’s failure to provide the legal basis or criteria for establishing a substantial case against her.

When was Torkornoo suspended?

Mahama suspended Torkonoo in April after the allegations against her were found to have substance.

The suspension marked a first in Ghana's history, and a committee has been established to investigate the claims against the Chief Justice.

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Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana governs the removal of a chief justice.

The suspension prompted protest from the opposition, who organised a demonstration march.

Copies of the petitions against Torkornoo were not initially made available to her, prompting concerns about due process.

These concerns over fairness were unsuccessfully tested in a lawsuit at the Supreme Court after action by Old Tafo MP Vincent Ekow Assafuah.

The Supreme Court also dismissed an injunction application from the Centre for Citizenship, Constitutional and Electoral Systems (CenCES) seeking to halt the impeachment process.

Torkornoo claims threats made against her life

YEN.com.gh reported earlier that Torkornoo alleged that she had received several threats demanding her resignation following her suspension.

Despite the threats, Torkornoo remained determined to challenge the process and demonstrate that it was fundamentally flawed.

The suspended Chief Justice made these claims at a press conference held in Accra on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.

Despite the claims, Torkornoo stressed that she would not resign amid her legal travails and possible impeachment.

Source: YEN.com.gh