The Republic of Ghana faces the possibility of a default judgment at the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice following its alleged failure to file a defence in a US$50 million human rights lawsuit brought by Singaporean businessman and investor Toh You Kang.
Mr You Kang, through his lawyer, Cephas Boyuo, Esq., is seeking the cedi equivalent of US$50 million in compensation for alleged violations of his fundamental human rights, including unlawful arrest and detention, denial of a fair hearing, restrictions on his freedom of movement and failure by state institutions to protect his rights.
The case, before the regional court in Abuja, Nigeria, arises from a dispute involving Mr You Kang, Emmanuel Nii Ashie Moore, the Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), and officers of the Ghana Police Service.
According to the originating application, Mr You Kang travelled to Ghana in May 2025 to resolve outstanding business and financial matters connected to transactions involving Mr Moore.
Alleged business transactions and financial dispute
Court documents indicate that Mr You Kang, an investor and shareholder in Ghanaian-registered NSG Innovation Limited, was introduced to Mr Moore, who allegedly portrayed himself as a politically connected businessman capable of facilitating government-related business opportunities.
The applicant alleges that, relying on these representations, he transferred US$100,000 and subsequently provided an additional US$700,000 in connection with purported contracts to supply electrical cables to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
He further claims to have supplied approximately US$1.5 million worth of campaign paraphernalia for the 2024 general elections.
According to the application, disagreements later emerged over the transactions, prompting Mr You Kang to travel to Ghana in May 2025 to seek a resolution.
However, he alleges that he was taken to a private residence, where armed men led by Mr Moore demanded US$3 million from him.
Mr You Kang claims that he was assaulted after refusing the demand and subsequently handed over to the Ghana Police Service, which arrested and prosecuted him on a charge of defrauding by false pretences.
These allegations form part of the applicant’s account of the events leading to the human rights action.
High Court quashes criminal proceedings
Mr You Kang argues that the criminal proceedings brought against him were unlawful because the transactions underlying the charges allegedly occurred outside Ghana, leaving the Dansoman Circuit Court without jurisdiction to hear the matter.
Following his arraignment on May 30, 2025, the Circuit Court remanded him into custody. He subsequently secured bail from the High Court but remained subject to restrictions on his movement.
On September 4, 2025, the High Court granted an application for certiorari, quashing the proceedings before the Circuit Court and prohibiting it from continuing with the criminal case.
The High Court also issued consequential orders concerning personal belongings allegedly retained following his arrest.
Mr You Kang maintains that the circumstances surrounding his arrest, detention and prosecution violated rights guaranteed under international human rights instruments.
Allegations against Police and Immigration authorities
Beyond the criminal proceedings, the applicant accuses certain officers of the Ghana Police Service of failing to act on complaints he lodged against Mr Moore over alleged assault, threats and the retention of his personal property.
His application refers to a report by the Police Professional and Standards Bureau (PPSB), which he says supports aspects of his allegations concerning the conduct of officers involved in the matter.
He also alleges irregularities in the handling of his travel documents upon arrival at Kotoka International Airport.
According to the court documents, Mr Moore allegedly took possession of his passport before Mr You Kang complet
