Ghana Faces Possible US$50 million default judgment at Ecowas court over alleged human rights violations
Story By: Deborah Adorsu
The Republic of Ghana faces a possible default judgment at the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice in Abuja, Nigeria, over an alleged failure to defend a US$50 million human rights claim.
The suit was filed by Singaporean businessman and investor, Toh You Kang, through his lawyer, Cephas Boyuo, Esq. He is seeking the cedi equivalent of US$50 million in compensatory damages for alleged violation of his fundamental human rights, including unlawful arrest and detention, denial of fair hearing, restriction of his freedom of movement and failure by state institutions to protect his rights.
Business Dispute That Led To The Case
According to court documents, Mr You Kang is an investor and shareholder in Ghanaian registered NSG Innovation Limited.
He travelled to Ghana in May 2025 to resolve business disagreements involving Emmanuel Nii Ashie Moore, the Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress, NDC.
Mr You Kang alleges that Mr Moore presented himself as a politically connected businessman who could secure government related business.
Relying on that, he claims he transferred US$100,000 and later provided a further US$700,000 in relation to proposed contracts to supply electrical cables to the Electricity Company of Ghana, ECG. He also claims he supplied about US$1.5 million worth of campaign paraphernalia for the 2024 general elections.
He further alleges that during his May 2025 visit, he was taken to a private residence where armed men led by Mr Moore demanded US$3 million.
He says he was assaulted after refusing and then handed to the Ghana Police Service, which arrested and prosecuted him for defrauding by false pretences.
Why Ghana Risks Default Judgment
Under Article 35 of the ECOWAS Court Rules, Ghana had 30 days to file a defence after service. Court documents were electronically served on the Attorney General, Deputy Attorney General and Solicitor General on November 13, 2025.
The applicant says no defence was filed, and in December 2025 applied for default judgment under Article 90(1) of the Court Rules, asking for the full US$50 million plus costs.
In a letter to the Court Registry, Mr Boyuo pressed for a hearing date, noting that a March 6, 2026 communication had promised a hearing notice which had still not been issued as of April 13, 2026.
The Chief Registrar, Yaouza Ouro-Sama, replied on April 14, 2026 that the matter awaited a directive from the judges.
If granted, the default judgment means Ghana would lose the case without presenting its side, and any compensation would be paid from public funds.