The Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has dismissed a preliminary objection filed by Ghana’s Attorney-General challenging the court’s jurisdiction in the case brought by former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

Justice Torkornoo petitioned the ECOWAS Court seeking provisional measures to temporarily halt the work of a fact-finding committee established to investigate a petition for her removal.

She argued that the measure was necessary to protect her fundamental human rights and prevent irreparable harm while the substantive case is determined.

The Attorney-General, however, contended that the ECOWAS Court lacked jurisdiction since the issues raised were constitutional matters currently before domestic courts in Ghana, including the Supreme Court.

In its ruling on Wednesday, 19th November,2025,, the ECOWAS Court rejected the Attorney-General’s objection, holding that the former Chief Justice had established a prima facie case regarding the alleged violation of her fundamental human rights. The court therefore affirmed its jurisdiction to hear the matter.

Following the decision, the Attorney-General has been directed to file a substantive response to Justice Torkornoo’s application within 30 days.