adverts
ECOWAS Court Dismisses Interim Application, but Substantive Case on Torkornoo’s Removal Stands – Lawyer
Lawyer for former Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, Nii Ayikoi Otoo, says the ECOWAS Court’s dismissal of his client’s interim application has no impact on the substantive human-rights case challenging her removal from office.
According to him, the ruling delivered on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, addressed only preliminary matters, not the core claims that Justice Torkornoo’s right to a fair hearing was violated.
Torkornoo dragged the Ghanaian state to the ECOWAS Court, citing breaches of her rights under Ghana’s 1992 Constitution and ECOWAS human rights protocols. The state, represented by Deputy Attorney General Dr Justice Srem-Sai, objected, arguing the regional court lacked jurisdiction since related cases were already pending in Ghana.
adverts
However, the ECOWAS Court rejected the state’s objection, holding that Torkornoo had established a prima facie human rights complaint, giving the court authority to hear the case.
Ayikoi Otoo told Joy FM that the interim application became irrelevant due to ongoing developments, such as the appointment and swearing-in of new Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie.
“The preliminary objection has been dismissed… So you’re just proceeding to the substantive matter, with or without them,” he said.
The court has directed the Ghanaian government to respond within 30 days, clearing the way for full hearings on the alleged rights violations.
Justice Torkornoo was suspended on April 22, 2025, following the establishment of a committee chaired by Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang to investigate matters leading to her removal.
Click the link Puretvonline.com | WhatsApp Channel to join the WhatsApp channel
GOT A STORY?
Contact/WhatsApp: +233243201960 or manuelnkansah33@gmail.com
