ECOWAS Court Rules in Favor of Ghanaian Woman Stripped of Citizenship
The ECOWAS Regional Court of Justice has awarded NOK 21 million in damages against the Republic of Ghana for the wrongful stripping of a Ghanaian woman’s passport after her marriage to a Nigerian national. The court’s decision highlights serious violations of fundamental rights, including nationality and freedom of movement.
Case Overview
This ruling came in response to the case of Mary Omerere v. Republic of Ghana (case number ECW/CCJ/APP/25/25), which was initiated in May 2025. The court determined that Ghana’s administrative actions had unlawfully deprived Omerere of her citizenship, effectively rendering her stateless and barring her from reentering her home country.
Legal Representation and Response
Following the court’s verdict, Samuel Ihensekyen, the lead attorney representing Omerere, described the judgment as a significant victory for human rights in West Africa. He, along with colleagues SM Oyege and Mike Ezeobi, argued that this case sets a crucial precedent for the protection of civil rights across the region.
Background of the Case
Omerere, a Ghanaian by birth, married Henry Obukowo Omerele under Nigerian law and subsequently adopted his surname. Her legal troubles began during her attempt to renew her Ghanaian international passport through the Ghanaian High Commission in Lagos. Instead of processing her application, authorities delayed the renewal and later informed her that her passport had expired.
Challenges Faced by Omerere
Despite repeatedly asserting her citizenship status, Omerere faced challenges as authorities questioned her birth records and advised her to seek a Nigerian passport. Her legal team contended that these administrative actions effectively stripped her of her nationality without due process.
Impact on Omerere’s Life
Omerere’s husband expressed his distress over their situation, including missing his grandmother’s funeral in Ghana and grappling with uncertainty regarding his immigration status in the UK due to the lack of valid Ghanaian travel documents. Omerere’s attempts to engage with Ghanaian authorities—offering DNA tests and compliance with administrative requirements—were reportedly met with indifference.
Judicial Findings
In her lawsuit, Omerere argued that her rights to nationality, protection from arbitrary deprivation of nationality, and freedom of movement were infringed upon as per the African Charter of Human Rights and the Ghanaian Constitution. The court found that Ghana had indeed violated her freedom of movement and right to nationality through unlawful administrative actions.
Directive and Damages Issued
The ECOWAS Court ordered Ghana to uphold internationally recognized citizenship rights and ensure transparent handling of Omerere’s citizenship status within six months. In addition to the NOK 21 million judgment—approximately US$15,000—Ghana was directed to cover the legal costs incurred during the proceedings. The ruling reinforces the need for fair legal processes to protect citizenship rights within the Economic Community of West African States.
