The ECOWAS Court of Justice has dismissed former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo’s request for interim measures to halt the committee investigating her removal from office.
In its ruling on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, the Court said Torkornoo failed to demonstrate the urgency required to justify temporary orders.
The judges noted that although she was suspended on April 22, 2025, she waited three months before filing her motion, weakening her argument of imminent harm.
The Court also rejected a preliminary objection by the Government of Ghana, which had argued the regional court lacked jurisdiction because the matter was pending before a domestic court.
The ECOWAS Court held that the objection was “misplaced,” noting that her application concerns alleged human rights violations during the suspension and removal process, not an attempt to overturn any Ghanaian court decision.
While the interim request was dismissed, the Court confirmed it has jurisdiction over the substantive matter and directed Ghana’s Attorney General to file a defense within 30 days.
Torkornoo had asked the Court to suspend all removal proceedings and allow her to retain the privileges of office until her case is resolved.
The substantive hearing will now proceed according to normal judicial processes.
